Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a lifespan genetic perspective

Purpose – Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder that is highly prevalent in children and frequently persists into adulthood. The purpose of this paper is to consider the need for practitioners to be aware of the disorder. Design/methodology/approach – This paper review...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advances in mental health and intellectual disabilities 2011-01, Vol.5 (4), p.33-46
Main Authors: Merwood, Andrew, Asherson, Philip
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescents
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Children & youth
Genes
Genetic factors
Genetic susceptibility
Health & social care
Hyperactivity
Learning & intellectual disabilities
Learning disabilities
Life span
Longitudinal Studies
Twin studies
Twins
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Summary:Purpose – Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder that is highly prevalent in children and frequently persists into adulthood. The purpose of this paper is to consider the need for practitioners to be aware of the disorder. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews quantitative genetic findings in ADHD, primarily focussing on twin studies that describe the role of genetic influences throughout the lifespan and the associated overlap between ADHD and other syndromes, disorders and traits. Findings – This paper concludes that ADHD is a lifespan condition that shares genetic risk factors with other psychiatric, neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disabilities. Originality/value – This paper makes the case that clinicians working in the area of intellectual disability should be fully aware of the potential impact of ADHD and its associated impairments.
ISSN:2044-1282
2044-1290
DOI:10.1108/20441281111165599