ADHD now attributed to genetics, not only social factors By Jackie Ho Scientists have identified genes that could

contribute to one of the most common mental health disorders in children, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although ADHD is highly heritable, there has been no direct evidence that the condition is genetic. ADHD has often been attributed to poor parenting skills, diet rich in sugar and various socioeconomic factors. A new study, published in The Lancet, now suggests that ADHD may be, at least in part, a genetic condition. Scientists from Cardiff University conducted the study between 2001 and 2009. They recruited 410 children thought to have ADHD, between ages five and seventeen, from 90 community child psychiatry and pediatric outpatient clinics across the UK. ADHD is especially common in the UK, where it affects around one in 50 children. Scientists analyzed duplicated and missing segments of DNA, known as copy number variants (CNVs), in the children thought to have ADHD and in matched controls. The findings showed a more CNVs in children with ADHD, which suggests that the condition can be linked to genetics. CNVs were also found in children the neurodevelopmental disorders autism and schizophrenia. Leader of the study, Dr. Nigel Williams of the Cardiff University School of Medicine, said the findings provide clues to the changes that can lead to ADHD. Children with ADHD have a significantly higher rate of missing or duplicated DNA segments compared to other children and we have seen a clear genetic link between these segments and other brain disorders, said Williams. However, the studys results showed that only fifteen percent of the children thought to have ADHD, and an even smaller percentage of children in the control group, had an increased rate of CNVs. Scientists said it is significant that there is now genetic evidence associated with ADHH but that the studys results emphasize that further investigation of CNVs in ADHD is a priority for research into the condition. Dr. Kate Langley from the Cardiff University School of Medicine said the significance of the study is that both genetics and social factors can contribute to

the development of ADHD. The new genetic evidence shows that ADHD is caused by a number of genetic changes, including CNVs, interacting with a childs environment, said Langley. Symptoms of ADHD include excessive restlessness, impulsiveness, distractedness and difficulties at home and in school. Currently, the condition has no cure, but symptoms can be reduced by a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. For children with ADHD and their families, the new findings mean that medication and therapy should not ruled out as effective treatment. Also, the new evidence supports the hereditary quality of the condition. Children with ADHD are statistically more likely to also have a parent with the condition, and an identical twin with ADHD has a three in four chance of also having the condition. Scientists said although some children with ADHD have CNVs in their DNA, screening children for CNVs will not help diagnose their condition. We already have very rigorous clinical assessments to do just that, said Dr. Langley.