A new study led by Michael Reber of the University of Strasbourg has confirmed the biological origins of Attention Deficit Disorder. The superior colliculus is found in the midbrain and has many sensory- and motor-related functions. The researchers introduced a population of mice to a genetic mutation which doubled the connections between the retina and superior colliculus, creating visual hyperstimulation. Those with the mutation also had a superior colliculus with a buildup of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline, which is “fight or flight” molecule that increases heart rate and prepares the body to react to a stimulus. The mice with a genetically-altered superior colliculus exhibited all classic symptoms of ADD.
http://www.iflscience.com/brain/neurobiological-origin-attention-deficit-disorder-discovered
