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Genetic basis of attention deficit and hyperactivity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Anita Thapar ,
Jane Holmes ,
Kay Poulton  and
Richard Harrington
Anita Thapar*
Affiliation:
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Manchester, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, Manchester
Jane Holmes
Affiliation:
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Manchester, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, Manchester
Kay Poulton
Affiliation:
Molecular Genetics Research Group, School of Epidemiology and Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Stopford Building, Manchester
Richard Harrington
Affiliation:
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Manchester
*
Anita Thapar, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Manchester, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, Manchester M27 4HA
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Abstract

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 (DATI). 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.

Type
Review Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 174 , Issue 2 , February 1999 , pp. 105 - 111
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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Footnotes

Declaration of interest J.H. and K.P. are funded by Action Research.

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