I was just leafing through an article (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2222245) looking at human genes thought to be associated with ADHD. A copy of the full article (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2222245) can be found here (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2222245). A quick snopsis: A gene on the fifth human chromosome called PITX1 has been statistically linked to a notable increase in the risk of autism. What makes this interesting is that the specific region where this PITX1 autism gene is found has also been associated with ADHD (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2222245).

Since ADHD and autism often share a significant overlap (although classifications and diagnostic criteria do not allow an individual to be diagnosed with both) in symptoms, this genetic region might be worth exploring a bit more. If we see similarities between disorders based on something such as similar levels of certain neurotransmitters, we often are satisfied with our understanding. I think we should always strive to take it one step further, which often involves looking at possible genetic overlaps between known "ADHD genes" and genes associated with the other comorbid disorders.

Just to piggyback on that last post for a second. Although many experts have whittled the number of significant "ADHD genes" down to around 7 or 8 (or, in some cases, fewer), it is important to note that there are over 50 genes floating around (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=1352384&rendertype=abstract)that are thought to have at least some impact on the disorder. With that in mind, and the possibility that each one may be statistically tied to one or more potential comorbid disorders (oppositional defiance, depression, allergies, restless legs syndrome, bedwetting, etc.), is it any wonder that the nature of ADHD is so diverse as are its treatment options?

If there really are over 50 ADHD genes (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=1352384&rendertype=abstract)tied to the disorder, how in the world can we avoid the painstaking process of trial and error in determing the best treatment option for an individual. This is why I think we must push for as many ADHD individuals as possible to be genetically screened. Then we may start to have enough information where we can see trends in effective ADHD medications and treatments for all of these potential "ADHD genes". Statistical trends may begin to pop out, and we can begin to match specific treatments with specific genes. For example, we might see trends that support the idea that individuals with the "ADHD forms" of genes 1,2 and 3 might respond well to Adderall, but if the ADHD form of gene #12 is present then the effectiveness of the drug severely drops. Essentially, we could compile enough info to the point where we could begin to tie specific combinations of ADHD genes to a specific type and dosage of medication. We could even see which ADHD gene forms may be more tolerant to the more "natural" ADHD treatment options.

Going further, we could, theoretically scan an individual to see how many of the "ADHD forms" of the 50 or so ADHD genes he or she has and then prescribe the appropriate treatment in an almost routine fashion. Combine this with the recent improvements in both speed and affordability of genetic screens, could we turn ADHD treatment into a near-exact science? Do you see this as feasible? Any other thoughts?


I was just leafing through an article (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2222245) looking at human genes thought to be associated with ADHD. A copy of the full article (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2222245) can be found here (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2222245). A quick snopsis: A gene on the fifth human chromosome called PITX1 has been statistically linked to a notable increase in the risk of autism. What makes this interesting is that the specific region where this PITX1 autism gene is found has also been associated with ADHD (http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2222245).

Since ADHD and autism often share a significant overlap (although classifications and diagnostic criteria do not allow an individual to be diagnosed with both) in symptoms, this genetic region might be worth exploring a bit more. If we see similarities between disorders based on something such as similar levels of certain neurotransmitters, we often are satisfied with our understanding. I think we should always strive to take it one step further, which often involves looking at possible genetic overlaps between known "ADHD genes" and genes associated with the other comorbid disorders.

There is a gene for epilepsy that is also associated with adhd and autism. I'm wondering if this is the same gene or another....

The thing that could be coming could be a better way of diagnosing adhd. I don't think that finding a suite of genes that causes adhd will do much for treatment. But it sure might help make it easier to diagnose.

ME :D

Yes, I agree with speedo. Finding a specific gene would only be immediately useful if direct treatment on the genetic level itself were possible.
If we can find out in detail how each of these genes express themselves maybe some kind of genetic effects matrix can be constructed, though it may have to be more than 2 dimensional as genetic expression is a very complicated matter in itself.
If such a matrix can be completed than specific treatments might become possible. Maybe even taking the form of "designer drugs" for medical purposes.

I agree. If we get enough sample data, and we could eventually develop an algorithm that analyzes all potential ADHD gene forms and the medications that work best with each one (and combinations of them whenever possible). To be accurate, each gene would need to be assigned some sort of "weighting factor" as certain ADHD genes which are more heavy determinants of ADHD than others. Then we could definitely develop a multi-dimensional matrix for individualized ADHD treatment plans, once we compile a large enough set of data. Of course, that would mean genetically screening a lot more ADHD individuals than we do today, otherwise, we wouldn't have enough statistical information to work with. What do you guys think?

Yes, I agree with speedo. Finding a specific gene would only be immediately useful if direct treatment on the genetic level itself were possible.
If we can find out in detail how each of these genes express themselves maybe some kind of genetic effects matrix can be constructed, though it may have to be more than 2 dimensional as genetic expression is a very complicated matter in itself.
If such a matrix can be completed than specific treatments might become possible. Maybe even taking the form of "designer drugs" for medical purposes.