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Dopamine system genes and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analysis
Brion S Maher1, Mary L Marazita, Robert E Ferrell
1Division of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA. maherb@sdmgenetics.pitt.edu
Psychiatric Genetics
|November 28, 2002
Summary
Genetic variations in the dopamine system are linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Meta-analyses confirm associations between ADHD and dopamine genes DRD4 and DRD5, suggesting their role in ADHD development.
Area of Science:
- Neurogenetics
- Psychiatric Genetics
Background:
- The dopamine system is implicated in the pathophysiology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Family-based association studies have investigated the role of dopamine system genes in ADHD etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis of family-based studies examining the association between ADHD and dopamine system genes DRD4, DRD5, and DAT1.
- To assess the overall evidence for the contribution of these genes to ADHD liability.
Main Methods:
- A random-effects model meta-analysis was applied to published family-based association studies.
- Data from studies on DRD4 (13 studies), DRD5 (5 studies), and DAT1 (11 studies) were pooled.
- Heterogeneity between studies was statistically tested.
Main Results:
- A significant positive association was found between ADHD and DRD4 (pooled OR=1.41, P=1.57x10⁻⁵) and DRD5 (pooled OR=1.57, P=8.28x10⁻⁶).
- The association between ADHD and DAT1 was not statistically significant (pooled OR=1.27, P=0.06).
- No significant heterogeneity was detected among the studies for each gene.
Conclusions:
- The meta-analyses provide robust evidence supporting the involvement of DRD4 and DRD5 in ADHD susceptibility.
- These findings highlight the critical role of the dopamine system in ADHD.
- Further research into gene-gene interactions within the dopamine system is warranted.