ADHD study uncovers genes tied to disorder: What's next?

By: Ryan Jaslow
Topics: News ,; Kids and family ,; Research

(Credit: iStockPhoto)

(CBS) A new gene study may provide answers for what causes attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), one of the most common behavior disorders among kids.

PICTURES: Does your child really have ADHD? 17 things to rule out first

Scientists say they've identified variations in four genes involved in so-called "brain signaling pathways," and those variations may unlock clues on how to treat the disorder.

For the study - published in the Dec. 4 issue of Nature Genetics - scientists at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia analyzed the whole genomes of 1,000 kids with ADHD, compared with those of 4,100 kids without ADHD. The scientists looked for differences in the number of deletions or duplications of DNA.

What did they find? Kids with ADHD had a significant number of differences on four particular genes involved in a pathway that's thought to relay information between the neurons and the brain.

"At least 10 percent of the ADHD patients in our sample have these particular genetic variants," study author Dr. Hakon Hakonarson, director of the Center for Applied Genomics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said in a written statement. "The genes involved affect neurotransmitter systems in the brain that have been implicated in ADHD, and we now have a genetic explanation for this link."

Overall, 5.2 million U.S. children ages 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD, according to the CDC. Thousands of other genes may contribute to ADHD risk, but the scientists said that identifying a gene responsible for 10 percent of cases is a "robust" finding that can help others.

How? Scientists say new drugs could target these pathways and provide a more effective treatment for ADHD.

"This research will allow new therapies to be developed that are tailored to treating underlying causes of ADHD," study co-author Dr. Josephine Elia, a child psychiatrist and ADHD expert at Children's Hospital, said in the statement. "This is another step toward individualizing treatment to a child's genetic profile."

WebMD has more on ADHD.

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Does your child really have ADHD? 17 things to rule out first

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by Social_Adjudicator December 6, 2011 6:54 AM EST: by bpitzele December 5, 2011 9:22 PM EST
You are ignorant as they come. DS is cause by triplication of the 21st chromosome and has nothing to do with inbreeding. Perhaps you should read more and speak less - that will help improve your perceived IQ substantially. You should really leave the science to those with intelligence.

First off you don't know me and I would advise you to learn to discern what is being communicated before going off the cuff and slinging personal insults.

Quite likely, the finding that DS is cause by triplication of the 21st chromosome, means absolutely nothing to you and is nothing more than regurgitation by you.

If it was understood what causes the by triplication of the 21st chromosome there would likely be a fix for DS and possibly intervention in the womb,of which there is not; other than abortion on the front end.

With that being said; "inbreeding" is a problem.; Reply to this comment


by wxwizard1 December 5, 2011 3:43 PM EST: Genetics may have something to do with it, but in our family we've found that diet and common sense parenting can improve ADHD symptoms. If you child has ADHD, I strongly suggest avoiding medications, which often cause a cyclical need for more ADHD drugs. Good healthy foods, supplements for improved brain function, exercise, and a consistent/structured lifestyle can be all you need to beat ADHD. Not saying it will work in every case, but it's worth trying instead of medications.; Reply to this comment


by Takahashisan December 5, 2011 3:02 PM EST: There are thousands of misdiagnosed children. There still are those actually who do suffer with ADHD nonetheless. After noticing how corrupt some pharmaceutical companies are, people can't help but doubt these multi-billion dollar industry that is putting different concoctions into our bodies. I do believe that medications can sometimes help a child with it, but medicating is not always the right choice for every boy and girl. Nor does it completely solve it either. The medicine is not a fix all by long shot. You need to do more than cram pills down your son or daughter's throat. Use your common sense to interpret what I meant by that. There are honest scientists working to help children suffering with real conditions. It is good we're getting more insight into what is causing some children as well as adults to have ADHD.; Reply to this comment


by jenstate17 December 5, 2011 2:27 PM EST: Interesting info since this is what the folks at Brain Balance have been basing their interventions on for years. Dr. Melillo (creator of Brain Balance) has long theorized that poor communication between and within the two sides of the brain is at the root of all neuro-behavioral disorders. You can read it here: www.brainbalancecenters.com; Reply to this comment

by Social_Adjudicator December 5, 2011 2:09 PM EST

Can you say "inbreeding"? Can you say "First Cousin Marriage"? Such is allowed in 20 of the 50 States; six more under certain conditions? Besides ADHD and probably Down Syndrome, what other genetic problems are being caused from genetic retardation caused from inbreeding? Such has been known to be of high risk many years.

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by bpitzele December 5, 2011 9:22 PM EST: You are ignorant as they come. DS is cause by triplication of the 21st chromosome and has nothing to do with inbreeding. Perhaps you should read more and speak less - that will help improve your perceived IQ substantially.