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Updated: May 20, 2026

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
10:02

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Published on: March 12, 2020

Biochemical and genetic analyses of childhood attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Emrah Caylak1

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, School of Health, Karatekin University, Cankiri, Turkey. emrah333@hotmail.com

American Journal of Medical Genetics. Part B, Neuropsychiatric Genetics : the Official Publication of the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics
|July 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder in children. Research highlights the roles of biochemical abnormalities and specific genes in ADHD etiology, informing potential treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurobehavioral disorder in children.
  • Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, impacting academic and social functioning.
  • Both biochemical factors and genetic predispositions are recognized as significant contributors to ADHD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize current research on the biochemical and genetic underpinnings of ADHD.
  • To identify key genes and biochemical pathways implicated in the etiology of ADHD.
  • To underscore the importance of understanding these factors for developing effective ADHD treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on ADHD biochemistry and genetics.
  • Analysis of genetic linkage and association studies.
  • Identification of candidate genes across different neurotransmitter systems and developmental pathways.

Main Results:

  • Substantial evidence implicates several genes in ADHD etiology, including dopaminergic (DRD4, DAT1, DRD5, COMT), noradrenergic (DBH, ADRA2A), serotonergic (5-HTT, HTR1B, HTR2A), and cholinergic (CHRNA4) pathways.
  • Genes involved in central nervous system development, such as SNAP25 and BDNF, are also associated with ADHD.
  • Biochemical abnormalities are consistently reported in ADHD research.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic factors and biochemical abnormalities are crucial in the etiology of ADHD.
  • Identifying specific genes and biochemical pathways provides a foundation for understanding ADHD.
  • This knowledge can enhance current treatment approaches for children with ADHD.

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