ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the pathology and pharmacological treatments of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder. ADHDs are characterized by a pervasive inability to attend to tasks. Children with ADHD have difficulties maintaining attention, following instructions, or completing tasks. While causes of ADHD remain elusive, there appears to be a consistent pattern of cortical hypoarousal and an increase in theta activity in ADHD patients when compared to normal children. Drugs used for pathological treatment are amphetamines and methylphenidate. Autistic spectrum disorder described in DSM-5 includes Asperger's and Rett disorder—a rare genetic condition that only occurs in females. While the causes of autistic spectrum disorder remain elusive, perhaps some of the consistent pathological correlates are cortical underconnectivity and deficits in both functioning and volume of the anterior cingulate cortex. Unlike other disorders discussed in the chapter, autistic disorder is not believed to be a consequence of abnormal synaptic activity. Therefore, pharmacological intervention is not likely to improve its most prominent symptoms.
