Animal Models of ADHD?

AbstractTo describe animals that express abnormal behaviors as a model of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) implies that the abnormalities are analogous to those expressed by ADHD patients. The diagnostic features of ADHD comprise inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity and so these behaviors are fundamental for validation of any animal model of this disorder. Several experimental interventions such as neurotoxic lesion of neonatal rats with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), genetic alterations, or selective inbreeding of rodents have produced animals that express each of these impairments to some extent. This article appraises the validity of claims that these procedures have produced a model of ADHD, which is essential if they are to be used to investigate the underlying cause(s) of ADHD and its abnormal neurobiology.Keywords5-Choice serial reaction-time test (task)Colobama mouseContinuous performance test (task)Dopamine transporter gene knockout mouseNeonatal 6-hydroxydopamine lesioned ratNeurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor gene knockout mouseObesitySpontaneously hypertensive ratTachykinin receptor-1 (TACR1)