To: LLCF who wrote (78 ) 12/19/1999 2:51:00 PM From: scaram(o)uche Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 357
Dave.... watch this sort of study (below) closely, and maybe you'll get the answer to some of your questions. Of course, this sort of study is generally conducted by us dreaded scientists. >> but what's causing the explosion of cases? << "Twin" studies can be very powerful. If there is a genetic component, then effective recognition/diagnosis of the disorder has to be part of the answer. If there are environmental issues that "disclose" the genetics, it will be great to find them. Br J Psychiatry 1999 Feb;174:105-11 Genetic basis of attention deficit and hyperactivity. Thapar A, Holmes J, Poulton K, Harrington R Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Manchester, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury. BACKGROUND: Hyperkinetic disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an important clinical condition. AIMS: The research evidence for a genetic contribution to ADHD is reviewed. METHOD: Measurement of the phenotype, the extent to which attention deficit and hyperactivity are heritable and molecular genetic findings are discussed. Future research directions are also considered. RESULTS: ADHD is a familial disorder. Available adoption evidence suggests genetic influences are important. Twin studies have primarily focused on trait measures which have consistently been found to be highly heritable Molecular genetic studies of clinical disorder so far have suggested the involvement of the dopamine DRD-4 receptor gene and dopamine transporter gene (DAT1). However, these findings await further replication. CONCLUSIONS: Advances in psychiatric genetics and current research interest in the genetics of ADHD should improve our understanding of aetiological factors and have an impact on treatment.