The superior colliculus and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - is there a link ?

Orateur : Paul OVERTON (Department of psychology University of Sheffield, UK)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by (inter alia) an increase in distractibility. The current front-line pharmacotherapies for the treatment of ADHD, namely the psychostimulants methylphenidate and amphetamines, have clear abuse potential, hence there is a strong need to develop new drug treatments for this disorder. However, the therapeutic mechanism of action of current psychostimulant medications in ADHD is far from clear, in large part because the pathophysiological changes underlying ADHD are uncertain. Here I will develop the novel proposition that the superior colliculus (SC), a sensory structure intimately linked with distractibility, is dysfunctional in ADHD, based on a series of in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological studies in normal animals and in an animal (rat) model of ADHD. If correct, sensory responsiveness in the SC may represent a new model system for use in the development of non-addictive pharmacotherapies for ADHD.

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