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Related Experiment Videos

The dopamine D4 receptor and the hyperactivity phenotype: a developmental-epidemiological study.

J S Mill1, A Caspi, J McClay

  • 1Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Research Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, London, SE5 8AF, UK. j.mill@iop.kcl.ac.uk

Molecular Psychiatry
|May 3, 2002
PubMed
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This study found no link between the DRD4 gene and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits in a large birth cohort. Despite previous associations, this research did not support a genetic connection for hyperactivity or inattention.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Neuroscience
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 2-6% of school-aged children.
  • ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention, traits that exist on a continuum within the general population.
  • Previous research suggested a potential association between ADHD and a specific polymorphism (seven-repeat allele) in the dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the DRD4 gene polymorphism and the hyperactivity phenotype in a large, unselected birth cohort.
  • To determine if DRD4 influences diagnosed ADHD or continuously measured hyperactivity traits over a 20-year period.
  • To examine the gene's effect on related personality traits.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • A large birth cohort (n=1037) was studied longitudinally over 20 years.
  • Multiple measures of the hyperactivity phenotype were assessed at various ages.
  • The association between the DRD4 seven-repeat allele and ADHD diagnosis, continuous hyperactivity, and personality traits was statistically analyzed.

Main Results:

  • No significant evidence was found to support an association between the DRD4 seven-repeat allele and clinically diagnosed ADHD.
  • The study did not find a link between the DRD4 polymorphism and continuously measured hyperactivity or inattention traits.
  • No association was observed with related personality traits.

Conclusions:

  • The findings do not support a general role for the DRD4 gene polymorphism in the etiology of ADHD or hyperactivity.
  • This large-scale longitudinal study challenges previous reports suggesting a genetic link between DRD4 and ADHD.
  • Further research is needed to identify the genetic underpinnings of ADHD and related behavioral traits.