Genetic basis of attention deficit and hyperactivity

• Published in: British journal of psychiatry 1999-02, Vol.174 (2), p.105-111
• Main Authors: Thapar, Anita, Holmes, Jane, Poulton, Kay, Harrington, Richard
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - genetics; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; Carrier Proteins - genetics; Clinical research; Comorbidity; Dopamine; Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; Dopamine transporter; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Hyperactivity; Measurement; Membrane Glycoproteins; Membrane Transport Proteins; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Pedigree; Phenotypes; Psychiatric genetics; Receptors, Dopamine D2 - genetics; Receptors, Dopamine D4; Review Article; Twin studies; Twin Studies as Topic
• ISSN: 0007-1250; 1472-1465
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.174.2.105

Hyperkinetic disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an important clinical condition. The research evidence for a genetic contribution to ADHD is reviewed. 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. 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. 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.