More than three decades of research has attempted to elucidate the
neuropsychopharmacology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulants, a
principle treatment for the disorder, act on the norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA)
systems; this has led to a long-standing hypothesis of catecholamine dysfunction in ADHD.
Animal studies show a clear role for NE and DA in the modulation of executive functions,
which are often disturbed in persons with ADHD. Nonstimulant agents that are effective in …