Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. ADHD impairments arise from irregularities primarily in dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) circuits within the prefrontal cortex. Due to ADHD medication’s controversial side effects and high rates of diagnosis, alternative/complementary pharmacological therapeutic approaches for ADHD are needed. Although the number of publications that study the potential effects of caffeine consumption on ADHD treatment have been accumulating over the last years, and caffeine has recently been used in ADHD research in the context of animal models, an updated evidence-based systematic review on the effects of caffeine on ADHD-like symptoms in animal studies is lacking. To provide insight and value at the preclinical level, a systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines was performed for all publications available up to 1 September 2021. Caffeine treatment increases attention and improves learning, memory, and olfactory discrimination without altering blood pressure and body weight. These results are supported at the neuronal/molecular level. Nonetheless, the role of caffeine in modulating ADHD-like symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity is contradictory, raising discrepancies that require further clarification. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that the cognitive effects of caffeine found in animal models could be translated to human ADHD, particularly during adolescence.
Highlights
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed and treated mental disorder during childhood [1] and it is increasingly diagnosed and treated in during adulthood [2]
Besides reviewing animal studies deciphering the effects of caffeine in the modulation of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like symptoms, we reviewed for the first time animal studies examining the effects of caffeine and adenosine receptors on neurons isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), at the neuronal level
Our reviewed data suggest that caffeine is a possible adjuvant pharmacological strategy for the treatment of ADHD
Summary
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed and treated mental disorder during childhood [1] and it is increasingly diagnosed and treated in during adulthood [2]. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, persisting no less than six months, that is inconsistent with developmental level and has negative impact in at least two settings (academic, occupational or social) [3]. Inattention refers to important difficulties in sustaining attention to tasks that do not deliver a high level of stimulation or regular rewards, distractibility, and difficulties with organisation. Hyperactivity refers to disproportionate motor activity and difficulties with remaining still, most manifest in structured situations that involve behavioral self-control. ADHD onset occurs during childhood and it often persists into adulthood, there is an important knowledge gap concerning
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