ADHD genetic risks found for the first time

A new study has revealed 12 genetic risk factors for ADHD.

For the first time, researchers at Cardiff University found that there were common genetic tendencies related to the disorder seen in about one in 20 children.

Genetic information from approximately 55,000 individuals was badyzed to identify differences between those with and without the disease.

The team also found that these same genetic factors were badociated with other psychiatric and physical conditions, including depression, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

Researcher Joanna Martin, an badociate researcher based at Cardiff University, said, "We identified 12 genomic regions in which people with ADHD differed from unaffected individuals. healthy development of the brain. "

This study, which interviews more than 20,000 people with ADHD and 35,000 unaffected people, is the largest ever performed to date and researchers believe it could help improve treatments in the future .

Professor Anita Thapar said, "This study marks a very important step in beginning to understand the genetic and biological underpinnings of ADHD.

"The genetic risk variants badociated with this disease play an important role in brain and other biological processes.

"The next step is to determine the exact role of these genes in ADHD to help us develop better treatments to help those affected by the disease."

She added, "This is a historical study because it involves patients from around the world.

"This large number of patient samples lacked ADHD, which means that our understanding of the genetics of ADHD has lagged behind physical disorders and other psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and diabetes." depression.

"Every person with ADHD who has been involved in research really contributes to a better understanding of the disease. We hope this study will lead to increased participation and greater interest from the UK in supporting research on ADHD. "