ADHD genetically conditioned?

On the trail of the causes. Is ADHD genetically determined?
On the trail of the causes of ADHD. British researchers have found in a representative study what has long been suspected by various professionals: the attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is genetically determined - at least partially.

500,000 children in Germany suffer from ADHD
Around 500,000 children and adolescents in Germany suffer from attention deficit / hyperactivity disorders, also known as Zappelphilipp syndrome, and their parents and teachers often suffer the same. The number of ADHD diagnoses has increased steadily in recent years, and experts' estimates of Germany's current figures vary between two and six percent of children and adolescents affected by ADHD. In boys, the mental disorder is about three to four times more common than in girls. ADHD usually occurs in childhood, but can accompany the affected person for a lifetime.

Multifactorial causation of ADHD
In the search for the causes of ADHD, a variety of reasons have already been discussed, such as parental errors, neglect and early childhood trauma. Finally, the thesis of the multifactorial causation of ADHD, ie the interaction of biological, psychological and social factors, was the most realistic scenario. The study results of the scientists from the University of Cardiff in Wales, however, now focus on the genetic occurrence of ADHD.

Genetic link discovered as a cause of ADHD
In the study, the researchers compared the DNA of 366 children with diagnosed ADHD syndrome with the genome of 1047 people without disease. More than twice as many as healthy children showed marked and rare changes in their DNA among ADHD patients (15 percent vs. 7 percent). „We have already known for some years that ADHD must be genetically determined because it occurs again and again in affected families, "explains study leader Prof. Anita Thapar, professor of neuropsychiatric genetics at the University of Cardiff, who now confirms her conjecture and Prof. Thapar adds that it „It's really exciting that we first found the genetic link. "

Gene copy variants (CNV) make the difference
The genetic difference between healthy children and ADHD patients is based essentially on deviations in the so-called gene copy number variants or. „copy number variants“ (CNV), so the statement of the scientists. „Children with ADHD are more likely to have a defective DNA structure. Some parts are double or missing completely“, Prof. Thapar explains the results of her study. CNV have long been suspected of having an impact on the predisposition to certain diseases such as schizophrenia or autism.

Study results for sufferers and their parents beneficial
According to the researchers, the findings are a relief for those affected and their parents, as hyperactive children are still frequently stigmatized because of their behavior, and parenting is often called into question. „The discovery of this direct genetic link should clear up this misunderstanding, "emphasizes Prof. Thapar, although the causes of the mental disorder have not yet been conclusively clarified with the results presented, because a particular gene causing ADHD could not be found by the scientists, but instead only CNV in the interaction favor a disease.Thus, Prof. Thapar explains that much work is imminent before the mental disorder can be fully understood.

CNV can be used to diagnose ADHD
In the diagnosis of ADHD, however, the study results presented can be extremely helpful as treating physicians can now also look for the said CNV as a risk factor for ADHD. In addition, the scientists hope that the results will lead to more effective treatments for affected children.

Too many ADHD medications prescribed
To date, the increasing number of ADHD patients has been overreacted to the use of drugs such as Ritalin or Strattera, as well as the opinion of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) as the supreme decision-making body for doctors, dentists, psychotherapists, hospitals and the joint self-government Health insurance in Germany. Although the majority of physicians are now aware of the problem of using drugs, the number of prescriptions for such drugs in children between the ages of six and nine has fallen by 24 percent between 2007 and 2009, according to the DAK. However, the G-BA was recently forced to further restrict the prescription of ADHD medications such as Ritalin. In the future, an even more comprehensive diagnosis is to be made exclusively by the specialist and the medication therapy must be interrupted on a regular basis to check the effects on the child's condition. Because the corresponding ADHD drugs are repeatedly suspected to cause side effects such as loss of appetite, growth disorders and cardiovascular discomfort but also additional mental problems such as nervousness, irritability, inner restlessness, psychotic phases or even paranoid delusions and hallucinations. (Fp)

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