Identified 12 common genetic variants in people with ADHD

Message for unbelievers: the genetic basis of the deficit disorder of attention e hyperactivity It's very solid. In a study of 50,000 participants, including 20,000 with this diagnosis, we were able to identify at least 12 involved variants that indicate a predisposition. They published it in the journal Nature Genetics and in the macro-study conducted in Europe, China, United States and Canada the Biomedicine Institute of UB, the research institute Sant Joan de Deu, the biomedical research center of the network of rare diseases (Ciberer), the psychiatrists of Vall d & # 39; Hebron and Mutua de Terrassa also participated. patients and ISGlobal-Creal.

"Previous research with twins had taught us that 75% of the disease is explained by genetic factors, although modulated by environmental factors.This macro study allowed us to determine 21% of this burden, but we still have a long way to go, "says Bru Cormand, a researcher at the University of Barcelona.

One of the genes most clearly linked to ADHD is FOXP2, a determinant of human language development and one that plays an important role in neural connections and learning. Another, DUSP6, is involved in dopamine, the brain's reward system that is modified during imaging tests in people with ADHD.

75% of the disorder is explained by genetic factors, although modulated by environmental factors.

These twelve genetic variations identified as typical of ADHD are very common in the population. This was part of the goal of searching without prejudices among the common variations, not among the few. And twelve appeared. "But the study continues and when the population of the sample increases, it is possible to reach a hundred or more, as in schizophrenia, of which we know 250 related variations, or l 39; autism, "says Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga. , head of psychiatry Vall d 'Hebron.

"The observed predisposition coincides with genes related to other psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.This confirms the clinical belief that many mental health problems are related and gives us a better understanding of this neurophysiological disorder, although some still try to deny it, to improve treatments, for example, how to modulate proteins that we now know are modified, "says the psychiatrist.

"The observed predisposition coincides with genes related to other psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.Confirm the clinical belief that many mental health problems are related"

"We also find genetic relationships with anorexia, obesity, insomnia, smoking or reproductive success.Yes, ADHD has more children and they share the same. genetic variations with people without ADHD who also have more children than average.Or or with those who have more school failure without any connection to another reason, "says Cormand. So, this disorder seems genetically a big puzzle of predispositions that come from the factory, although often attributed to this impulsive natural ADHD. "We are not talking at any point about genes, such as those that cause a disease, such as cystic fibrosis, which are traits that represent a predisposition that focuses on the nervous system and especially neurodevelopment, which can probably change lanes with help, education and knowledge, "Ramos-Quiroga said.

In this macro-study to obtain a genetic map of one of the most common disorders of the population, researchers from more than sixty institutions from around the world participated.

"We are not talking at any time about genes, such as those that cause a disease, such as cystic fibrosis, which are traits that involve a predisposition that focuses on the nervous system and especially neurodevelopment, which can probably change lanes with help, education, knowledge "