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Functional effects of the DAT1 polymorphism on EEG measures in ADHD
Sandra K Loo1, Elaine Specter, Andrew Smolen
1Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA-NPI, Los Angeles, USA. SLoo@mednet.ucla.edu
Summary
The dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) influences how children with attention-deficiency/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) respond to medication. Specific DAT1 alleles affect cognitive performance and brain activity changes after methylphenidate treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Attention-deficiency/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Methylphenidate is a frequently prescribed medication for ADHD.
- The dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) plays a role in dopamine regulation and has been investigated for its association with ADHD and treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if DAT1 allele status mediates medication-related changes in cognitive and neurophysiological measures in children with ADHD.
- To explore the relationship between DAT1 polymorphism and response to methylphenidate.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving children with ADHD.
- Administration of a single 10-mg dose of methylphenidate.
- Cognitive testing, EEG recording, and genotyping for the DAT1 polymorphism from buccal samples.
Main Results:
- DAT1 allele status was linked to performance on a sustained attention task.
- Children with two copies of the DAT1 10-repeat allele (10R) showed poorer vigilance task performance compared to those with the 9-repeat allele (9R).
- The 10R group exhibited distinct medication-related EEG changes (increased beta power, decreased theta power) compared to 9R carriers.
Conclusions:
- The DAT1 polymorphism appears to mediate medication-related changes in cortical activity in children with ADHD.
- These findings suggest a genetic influence on methylphenidate's effects on attention and brain function in ADHD.