UCLA researchers are seeking families with two or more children affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) for research into the genetic basis of the conditions.
"Our research is an important first step in understanding genetics of AD/HD," said Susan Smalley, Ph.D., principal investigator on the study. Smalley told additudemag.com that identifying these genes will help with diagnoses and early detection of AD/HD. Dr. Smalley, a medical geneticist, is Associate Professor for the UCLA Department of Psychiatry and co-director of the UCLA Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics.
Finding Genes That Fit
The highly publicized Human Genome Project is amazing but it is far from complete. "We still only understand the function of only about 1/4 of the genes we have identified in the recent sequencing of the human genome," said Smalley. Previous genetic research on AD/HD has focused on studying specific, known genes. "This means there is a good chance the 'candidate' genes people currently study may not really be the 'biggest' risk genes in AD/HD."
"A genome scan is the best way to find genes whose function might as yet be unknown, but that might contribute to ADHD," she explained. Rather than limiting their search to the 25% of the genome that has been mapped, Smalley's team will scan the entire genome to find genes that could be related to AD/HD. Smalley believes it is possible that 5, 10 or as many as 50 different genes contribute to AD/HD. "Different genes will cause AD/HD in different families."
The team will investigate "susceptibility genes," genes that increase the likelihood that a person will develop AD/HD, but that do not directly cause AD/HD.
Finding these genes could help to identify the causes of AD/HD. Such information would allow doctors to design patient-specific treatments and medications that would better meet the individual needs of the child or adult who has AD/HD. Early detection would also mean that preventive medicine such as behavioral interventions could be implemented before the child begins to show more serious complications.
"Medication interventions can be targeted at the core biological difficulties which may differ from person to person," Smalley said. "We believe that once we can identify children at risk for ADHD prior to the onset of symptoms, we can help 'tailor' environments to minimize impairment and maximize the strengths of the AD/HD child, adolescent, and adult."
To be eligible for the study, families must have at least two children age 5 or older who have AD/HD or ADD. Each family member who participates will complete questionnaires and personal interviews, and have a small blood sample taken for genetic analysis. Children who participate will receive cognitive and educational assessments.
In addition to the free psychological, cognitive and educational evaluations, eachparticipating family member will receive $20. For information, call (310) 825-8660
