Previous research has found that common genetic changes inherited from parents play an important role in the development of ADHD, but the research team at the Yale Child Study Center (YCSC) and the Department of Psychiatry found that rare (spontaneous/non-inherited) genetic changes in the DNA code may contribute to the genetic basis of this common childhood disorder.
The study also identified a gene that causes ADHD risk, which was previously identified as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder. The study data also suggests that there are an estimated 1,000 “yet to be identified” underlying ADHD risk genes.
These findings provide new insight and understanding into the biology of ADHD, and demonstrate the potential of sequencing DNA in larger populations to uncover additional risk genes, which may lead to the development of more effective treatments and interventions for this common neurological condition.
The team noted that international collaboration, including the integration of case-control data from a large independent dataset, greatly enhanced the study and made an important contribution to understanding the complexities of ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
“Our study adds to the growing evidence of shared genetic risk factors across various neurological and psychiatric disorders,” the study authors explained. “This suggests that these conditions, although clinically distinct, may have overlapping biological underpinnings.”
The study was published in the journal Nature Communications.
Source: Medical Express
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2024-08-15 13:32:50
