Monoaminergic system and HPA axis dysfunctions in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is the most common neuropsychiatric disorder in children and adolescents.Its etiology and pathogenesis are still not clear.The disorder of monoamine oxidase function in the central nervous system that can result in abnormal catabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters, then lead to alteration of dopamine/norepinephrine levels, which is believed to be associated with ADHD behavior.Besides, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis is also involved in the pathogenesis of ADHD.In this review, the interaction between the monoaminergic system and HPA axis and its possible mechanism related with ADHD will be systematically summed up based on recent research. Key words: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Monoamine; Monoamine oxidase; Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; Krueppel like factor 11