Models of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

One of the most notable aspects of the behavior of individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is increased variability in many aspects of their behavior, including response times and attentional focus. Among the many theories of ADHD is one that identifies its material cause as phasic malnutrition of the neurons required to maintain constancy of performance. Of the diverse predictions issuing from this theory, one concerns ubiquitous data: response times and their variance in decision tasks. This paper reviews that behavioral neuroenergetics theory and model, shows how they predict representative data, and suggests their relevance to researchers studying animal models of ADHD.