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Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Cinnamon Bidwell, L; Dew, RE; Kollins, SH
Published in: Curr Psychiatry Rep
October 2010

Pharmacologic management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has expanded beyond stimulant medications to include alpha-2 adrenergic agonists. These agents exert their actions through presynaptic stimulation and likely involve facilitation of dopamine and noradrenaline neurotransmission, both of which are thought to play critical roles in the pathophysiology of ADHD. Furthermore, frontostriatal dysfunction giving rise to neuropsychological weaknesses has been well-established in patients with ADHD and may explain how alpha-2 agents exert their beneficial effects. In the following review, we consider relevant neurobiological underpinnings of ADHD with respect to why alpha-2 agents may be effective in treating this condition. We also review new formulations of alpha-2 agonists, emerging data on their use in ADHD, and implications for clinical practice. Integrating knowledge of pathophysiologic mechanisms and mechanisms of drug action may inform our medication choices and facilitate treatment of ADHD and related disorders.

Duke Scholars

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Published In

Curr Psychiatry Rep

DOI

EISSN

1535-1645

Publication Date

October 2010

Volume

12

Issue

5

Start / End Page

366 / 373

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2
  • Psychiatry
  • Humans
  • Brain
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
  • Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
  • 5203 Clinical and health psychology
  • 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 1701 Psychology
 

Citation

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Cinnamon Bidwell, L., Dew, R. E., & Kollins, S. H. (2010). Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Curr Psychiatry Rep, 12(5), 366–373. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-010-0136-4
Cinnamon Bidwell, L., Rachel E. Dew, and Scott H. Kollins. “Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Curr Psychiatry Rep 12, no. 5 (October 2010): 366–73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-010-0136-4.
Cinnamon Bidwell L, Dew RE, Kollins SH. Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2010 Oct;12(5):366–73.
Cinnamon Bidwell, L., et al. “Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Curr Psychiatry Rep, vol. 12, no. 5, Oct. 2010, pp. 366–73. Pubmed, doi:10.1007/s11920-010-0136-4.
Cinnamon Bidwell L, Dew RE, Kollins SH. Alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2010 Oct;12(5):366–373.
Journal cover image

Published In

Curr Psychiatry Rep

DOI

EISSN

1535-1645

Publication Date

October 2010

Volume

12

Issue

5

Start / End Page

366 / 373

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2
  • Psychiatry
  • Humans
  • Brain
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
  • Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists
  • 5203 Clinical and health psychology
  • 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 1701 Psychology