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Advances in genetic studies of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

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Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most common childhood-onset psychiatric disorders. Although family, twin, and adoption studies demonstrate that ADHD is a highly heritable condition, studies also suggest that genetic architecture is complex, prompting the use of more advanced methodologies such as genome-wide linkage and association studies. Although such studies are theoretically compelling, replication of these results has been inconsistent. Meta-analyses have produced more reliable results, but the associations identified to date account for only a small percentage of the genetic component of ADHD. Approaches such as neuroimaging genetics and epigenetic studies are being explored to probe further the etiologic complexity of this disorder.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA

    Stephen V. Faraone

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  1. Alicia K. Smith
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  2. Eric Mick
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  3. Stephen V. Faraone
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Correspondence to Stephen V. Faraone.

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Smith, A.K., Mick, E. & Faraone, S.V. Advances in genetic studies of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Curr Psychiatry Rep 11, 143–148 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-009-0022-0

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