Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2025

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
05:48

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients

Published on: June 12, 2020

5.7K

Telomere Length and Symptoms of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in Children at 6-12 Years

Irene Campos-Sánchez1, Eva María Navarrete-Muñoz1,2, Dries S Martens3

  • 1Occupational Therapy Research Group (InTeO, Investigación en Terapia Ocupacional), Department of Surgery and Pathology, Miguel Hernandez University, Alicante, Spain.

Journal of Attention Disorders
|January 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Longer telomere length (TL) may reduce hyperactivity symptoms in children. While not consistently found across all studies, this association warrants further investigation in pediatric attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Genetics
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children.
  • Telomere length (TL), a marker of cellular aging, has been investigated for its potential role in various health conditions.
  • Understanding factors associated with ADHD symptoms is crucial for early intervention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between telomere length (TL) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children aged 6-12 years.
  • To determine if TL is a potential biomarker for ADHD symptom severity or risk.
  • To explore potential differences in this association across different population cohorts.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 1,759 children across the HELIX and INMA projects.
  • Measured telomere length (TL) from blood samples using a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) protocol.
  • Assessed ADHD symptoms via parent-reported Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Short Form, analyzed with negative binomial regression models.

Main Results:

  • Overall, no significant association was found between telomere length (TL) and general ADHD symptoms across all participants.
  • A significant inverse association was observed in the HELIX cohort: longer TL correlated with a reduced risk of hyperactivity symptoms (IRR=0.93, p=0.022).
  • This specific finding suggests a potential protective role of longer telomeres against hyperactivity in certain pediatric populations.

Conclusions:

  • The study did not establish a consistent link between telomere length (TL) and ADHD symptoms universally.
  • However, a notable association emerged within the HELIX cohort, indicating longer TL may be linked to lower hyperactivity risk.
  • Further research is recommended to elucidate the complex interplay between TL and ADHD, particularly hyperactivity, and to validate these findings in diverse cohorts.
Abstract

Keywords:
attention deficit-hyperactivity disorderchildrenneurodevelopmenttelomere length

More Related Videos

Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence12:08

Telomere Length and Telomerase Activity; A Yin and Yang of Cell Senescence

Published on: May 22, 2013

46.4K
Using Brain Activation nir-HEG/Q-EEG and Execution Measures CPTs in a ADHD Assessment Protocol13:09

Using Brain Activation nir-HEG/Q-EEG and Execution Measures CPTs in a ADHD Assessment Protocol

Published on: April 1, 2018

10.2K

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
36
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
25
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
23
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
57
Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
528
Replicative Cell Senescence02:15

Replicative Cell Senescence

Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds...
3.6K