An Animal Model of Attention Deficit

Attentional dysfunction has been implicated in a variety of psychopathological conditions (Cutting, 1985 ). Two major syndromes in which such dysfunction is considered to play a central role are attention-defidt hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia. It is not clear to what extent, if at all, attentional deficits described in these disorders share a common mechanism. However, both schizophrenia and ADHD have been linked to dopaminergic (DA) dysfunction, and, if this neurotransmitter system subserves attentional processes, at least partial commonality of mechanism may exist. Indeed, in view of the lack of clarity surrounding the diagnostic criteria for ADHD and schizophrenia and the repeated calls for their nosological reappraisal, the continuing focus in both of these syndromes on the two dysfunctions, attentional and dopaminergic, is rather remarkable. It appears, then, that an animal model of attentional (dys)function that is related to DA (dys)function could benefit the understanding of both disorders. This chapter presents such a model.