Study Reveals Nine Genes Associated with ADHD Risk

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. Previous studies have shown that the disorder is highly heritable and associated with several risk-taking behaviors.

To better understand the genetic underpinnings of the disorder, researchers led by Dr. Guy Rouleau at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital) conducted the largest ADHD transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) to date consisting of 19,099 cases and 34,194 controls. A TWAS can prioritize causal links between genes and biological traits.

The TWAS identified nine genes associated with ADHD risk and different tissue types. They identified phenotypes relevant to ADHD and found an inverse correlation with educational attainment and a positive correlation with maternal smoking at birth, higher body mass index, and schizophrenia.

The findings point to the importance of differentiation of dopaminergic neurons and norepinephrine transporter functions in ADHD. Altogether, the study provides further understanding of the role of genetics in ADHD and potential targets for therapy in future.

It was made possible by the open data sharing policy of many different researchers and institutions, including the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium.