Genetic support for the dual nature of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: substantial genetic overlap between the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive components

McLoughlin, G. and Ronald, Angelica and Kuntsi, J. and Asherson, P. and Plomin, R. (2007) Genetic support for the dual nature of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: substantial genetic overlap between the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive components. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology 35 (6), pp. 999-1008. ISSN 0091-0627.

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-007-9149-9

Abstract

Objective Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common, complex and highly heritable disorder, characterised by inattentive, impulsive and overactive behaviour. Evidence for the heritability of ADHD measures in twin population samples has come from the analysis of total scores that combine inattentive and hyperactive–impulsive symptoms subscales. This study investigated, in a community sample, the aetiology of ADHD-like traits and the aetiological overlap between the two dimensions that define the ADHD disorder. Materials and Methods Parents of 6,222 approximately 8-year-old twin pairs from the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS) population sample completed the two subscales of the Conners’ 18-item DSMIV checklist, a screening instrument for ADHD symptoms. Results Both subscales were highly heritable (hyperactive–impulsive: 88%; inattentive: 79%). Bivariate genetic modelling indicated substantial genetic overlap between the two components; however, there were significant independent genetic effects. Conclusions These findings suggest that many genes associated with the hyperactivity–impulsivity dimension will also be associated with the inattentive dimension but that there is significant genetic heterogeneity as well. These results provide genetic support for combining the two behavioural dimensions that define ADHD, but also suggest that some symptom-specific genes will also be identified.

Metadata

Item Type:	Article
School:	Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science > School of Psychological Sciences
Depositing User:	Sarah Hall
Date Deposited:	04 Feb 2020 16:33
Last Modified:	02 Aug 2023 17:57
URI:	https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/30807

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