Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous disorder with multiple contributing factors, both genetic and environmental, as evidenced by the multiple susceptibility genes that have been identified and the inconsistencies in different family studies (1). Diagnosis of ADHD is based on behavioral symptoms because there is, as yet, no biological marker. Animal models of ADHD are useful because they mimic various aspects of the disorder and have the advantage of genetic homogeneity, environmental control, and the possibility of early intervention (2). Animal models include exposure to neurotoxins and genetic variants. The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is the most extensively investigated genetic model and the only animal model that has been shown to demonstrate all the behavioral characteristics of ADHD, namely, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and problems with sustained attention (2–5).
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Russell, V.A. (2005). The Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat as a Model of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In: Gozal, D., Molfese, D.L. (eds) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Contemporary Clinical Neuroscience. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-891-9:079
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-891-9:079
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