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Researchers have identified 12 regions of the genome, the modifications of which increase the risk of developing an attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder
ADHD is said to affect about 2.5% of adults and about 5% of children worldwide. Credits: Getty Images
A study published in the journal Nature Genetics claims to have found genetic variants increasing the risk of Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which may help to understand the biological mechanisms behind the disorder as well as drug development.
People diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty paying attention to and controlling impulsive behavior. Symptoms include restlessness, inability to listen when speaking directly, forgetfulness, distraction or hyperactivity.
ADHD is not just a childhood disorder. Although symptoms begin to manifest during childhood, ADHD can persist until adolescence and adulthood. According to the study, ADHD affects about 2.5% of adults and about 5% of children worldwide.
Previous studies have suggested that ADHD may be caused by an interaction between genes and environmental or non-genetic factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, or substance abuse during pregnancy; exposure to environmental toxins, such as high levels of lead, at a young age, low birth weight, brain damage, etc.
"We know that it's very hereditary. Of all the possible causes of ADHD, genetic factors account for 70% to 80%, "Professor Anders Børglum, research co-author of the Aahus University in Denmark, told the Guardian.
The team analyzed the genomes of more than 55,000 people, including more than 20,000 people diagnosed with ADHD, and identified 12 regions of the genome whose modifications increase the risk of ADHD.
However, he said the changes in these 12 regions represent less than 1% of the genetic risk associated with the disease. Børglum explained that this was due to the fact that several genes could be involved in the disease and that the more genetic risk variants an individual had, the more he or she risked developing the disease.
The study says that the type of genetic variants seen in people with ADHD was similar to that seen in people with other mental disorders. In addition, ADHD is an "extreme expression of continuous hereditary traits".
Børglum hopes that this study could help reduce the stigma surrounding this condition by establishing the biological factors behind this disorder. "We are extremely excited about these discoveries … we have been looking for them for centuries," he told the Guardian.
In India, a study found that the prevalence of ADHD in primary school children was 11.32%. The prevalence was higher for men (66.7%) than for women (33.3%). The prevalence among the lower socio-economic group was 16.33% and that among the average socio-economic group was 6.84%. It was found that its highest rate was between 9 and 10 years old.
DTE had reported another study indicating that women who use nicotine patches or other nicotine replacement products may have children at high risk for ADHD.
As the stigma surrounding mental health in India is widespread, treating and recognizing disorders such as ADHD in early childhood can help ensure appropriate and timely treatment.
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