Biological psychiatry
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Biological psychiatry · Jun 2011
Meta AnalysisTranslational approaches to frontostriatal dysfunction in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using a computerized neuropsychological battery.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent condition associated with cognitive dysfunction. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery is a computerized set of tests that has been widely used in ADHD and in translation/back-translation. Following a survey of translational research relevant to ADHD in experimental animals, a comprehensive literature review was conducted of studies that had used core Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery tests 1) to evaluate cognitive dysfunction in ADHD and 2) to evaluate effects of salient drugs in patients and in volunteers. ⋯ Results were paralleled by findings in experimental animals on comparable tests, enabling further analysis of drug mechanisms. Substantial cognitive deficits are present in ADHD, which can be remediated somewhat with current medications and which can readily be modeled in experimental animals using back-translational methodology. The findings suggest overlapping but also distinct early cognitive effects of ADHD medications and have important implications for understanding the pathophysiology of ADHD and for future trials.