The Neuropsychopharmacology of Stimulants: Dopamine and ADHD

Abstract

In this chapter we consider the neuropsychopharmacology of ADHD in general and dopamine and the stimulants more specifically. Attention will be given to the various neurotransmitter theories for ADHD. We will consider the theoretical mechanisms of actions for the various medicines used to treat ADHD. We will look at how the stimulants, although often assumed to be similar, actually show evidence of differential mechanisms of action. We will look at new data that utilizes the technique of reverse microdialysis to demonstrate how different the dose-response curves are for dopamine release in the striatum following local application of the different stimulants.