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Scientists have discovered genetic variants that experts say could increase the risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which would help to better understand the disease.
ADHD is thought to affect about 2.5% of adults and 5% of children worldwide. Concerns have been expressed that the neurodevelopmental disorder is under-diagnosed and under-treated in the UK.
"We know that it is highly heritable," said Professor Anders Børglum, co-author of the research, Aahus University in Denmark. . "Of all the causes that can lead to ADHD, genetic factors account for 70% to 80%."
However, researchers say that it has been difficult to find specific genetic variants related to ADHD. Børglum explained that it was because many genes were involved in the disease, each slightly increasing the risk.
Now, by badyzing the genomes of more than 55,000 people, more than 20,000 of whom have been diagnosed with ADHD. Børglum and an international group of researchers say they have identified 12 specific regions of the genome where changes increase the risk of ADHD.
"We are extremely excited about these results … we have been looking for this for centuries," said Børglum.
He stated that changes in the discovered regions accounted for less than 1% of the genetic risk badociated with the disease. "These 12 regions are just the tip of the iceberg," he said, pointing out that he could discover thousands of others.
The team believes that the findings could help shed light on the biological mechanisms of ADHD, potentially useful for the development of new drugs.
The team's work, published in the journal Nature Genetics, corroborates earlier studies that a more general pattern of genetic variants more commonly seen in people with ADHD was similar to that seen in people with ADHD. Other conditions include: depression and insomnia.
The researchers say the study supports the idea that ADHD is an "extreme expression" of the characteristics of the population.
Michelle Beckett, director of the ADHD Action charity, reports the results of a new study that is exciting and could lead to a better understanding of the biology of the disease.
But she said diagnose ADHD on the basis of the new genetic variants discovered. It would be unwise to think that it would not be clear that all people diagnosed with ADHD would be affected.
"We have only officially diagnosed the tip of the iceberg of individuals with ADHD in the world and it is highly likely that further gene research will reveal [19659002] Børglum said that the study could help de-stigmatize the situation and address the guilt and blame of parents often faced when their child has ADHD.
Some have already argued that the discovery of a Beckett biological foundation has stated that new discoveries could have a positive effect in showing that the disease is real.
"ADHD faces incredible stigma, discrimination and denialism" and has often been considered an excuse. for poor behavior, despite the impact that the condition could have on the education, health and work of an individual, Beckett said. "This [study] gives us almost a validation, if you will, in the eyes of the people in the street and the popular press."
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