Access

News and Views


Nature Medicine 8, 24 - 25 (2002)
doi:10.1038/nm0102-24

ADHD and Addiction

Trevor W. Robbins1

  1. Department of Experimental Psychology University of Cambridge Cambridge, U.K.
    e-mail: twr2@cam.ac.uk


Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is often treated with stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate. However, this treatment remains controversial, as some studies have suggested that sensitization to these drugs of abuse predispose towards adult drug addiction. A new study, using juvenile rats, now shows that chronic treatment with methylphenidate during adolescence actually reduces drug-seeking behavior during adulthood.


Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex condition that can include elements of hyperactivity, impulsive behavior and inattention. Its prevalence in childhood is variably estimated to be between 2 and 14%, and is often treated with stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or D-amphetamine (Dexedrine).

MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS
These links to content published by NPG are automatically generated

REFERENCE
Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder
Nature Encyclopaedia of Life Sciences

REVIEWS
Neuroscience of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: the search for endophenotypes
Nature Reviews Neuroscience Review (01 Aug 2002)

RESEARCH
Altered responsiveness to cocaine in rats exposed to methylphenidate during development
Nature Neuroscience Brief Communication (01 Jan 2002)
Atomoxetine Increases Extracellular Levels of Norepinephrine and Dopamine in Prefrontal Cortex of Rat: A Potential Mechanism for Efficacy in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Neuropsychopharmacology Original Article (01 Nov 2002)
Dissociation of Primary and Secondary Reward-Relevant Limbic Nuclei in an Animal Model of Relapse
Neuropsychopharmacology Original Article (01 May 2000)
 See all 8 matches for Research

$rb.Type.Code