ATTENTION-DEFICIT DISORDER AND HYPERACTIVITY CHANGES IN HYPOTHALAMIC FUNCTION IN HYPERACTIVE-CHILDREN - A NEW MODEL

This presentation proposes a dynamic integrative model for understandi ng attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity. The proposed model - the lapses model - is based on principles found in control systems. It suggests the existence of a compensatory system employed by the organ ism in order to correct its internal overload and homeostatic disturba nces resulting from a hypothalamic dysfunction. The restoration of int ernal homeostasis requires resources needed for the interaction with t he environment. Allocation of such resources results in lowered contro l ability to the point of total loss of contact with the environment. Thus, the compensatory system influences the data-processing ability a nd determines the cognitive style. The limitation of resources directe d to coping with the surrounding environment, already creates a distur bance at the input level. This results in continuity-loss and data-los s due to the temporary saturation and oscillations in the arousal leve l. When balance is regained, the arousal level comes back to the optim al range, until such time when accumulated load will again cause a dis turbance. The cycle repeats itself at varying intervals. The model rel ates to the interaction between three behavioral levels: biochemical-h ormonal,physiological and cognitive-communicative.