Dopamine appetite and cognitive impairment in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Neural Plast. 2004;11(1-2):115-32. doi: 10.1155/NP.2004.115.

Abstract

The underlying defects in ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) are not yet clear. The current paper tests three existing theories: State Regulation, Cognitive Deficit, and Temporal Difference (TD) learning. We present computational simulations of the Matching Familiar Figures Task and compare these with the experimental results reported by Sonuga-Barke (2002). The TD model contains four parameters: the learning rate, discounting for future rewards, brittleness (randomness) of behavior, and action bias. The results show that the basic TD model accounts well for control performance in trials of 5 sec, 10 sec, and 15 sec duration; but not for the deficits in ADHD performance at 5 sec and 15 sec. Extending the TD model to incorporate either a state regulation deficit, or working memory deficit and delay in starting trials, can provide a good account of both control and ADHD results, at all trial-lengths. We discuss the significance of the results for theories of ADHD and make suggestions for future experimentation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / physiopathology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Child
  • Cognition Disorders / physiopathology
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology*
  • Dopamine / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Models, Neurological*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Dopamine