Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the post-genomic era.
BACKGROUND
ADHD is a common and complex genetic disorder. Genetic risk factors are expected to be multiple, have small effect sizes when considered individually and to interact with each other and with environmental factors.


OBJECTIVE
To describe the difficulties involved in the genetic investigation of such a complex disorder and give a prospective for the future.


METHODS
Review based on empirical literature and project description.


RESULTS
Considerable progress has been achieved through the association analysis of candidate gene loci. Linkage scans using affected sibling pairs have identified a number of potential loci that may lead to the identification of novel genes of moderate effect size. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) approaches provide powerful complementary strategies that have the potential to link the categorical disorder to continuously distributed traits associated more closely with underlying genetic liability in the general population. Success in identifying some associated genes has been complemented by functional studies that seek to understand the mode of action of such genes.


CONCLUSIONS
Progress in understanding the mechanisms involved has not been straightforward and many inconsistencies have arisen. In order to take advantage of the potential for progress that stems from the genetic findings it will be important to draw upon a variety of approaches and experimental paradigms. A functional genomic approach to ADHD means that investigation of gene function is carried out at various levels of analysis, not only at the level of molecular and cellular function but also at the level of psychological processes, neuronal networks, environmental interactions and behavioural outcomes.
MRC Social Genetic Developmental, Psychiatry Research Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, de Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK. p.asherson@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Philip
P
Asherson
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000235:genetics*; D002648:Child; D050483:Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D008040:Genetic Linkage / Q000235:genetics; D023281:Genomics / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000235:genetics*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D010641:Phenotype; D017447:Receptors, Dopamine D1 / Q000235:genetics; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2 / Q000235:genetics*; D050638:Receptors, Dopamine D4; D050641:Receptors, Dopamine D5; D012701:Serotonin / Q000235:genetics; D012931:Social Environment; D050825:Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25
C493599:DRD4 protein, human; C493605:DRD5 protein, human; D050483:Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D017447:Receptors, Dopamine D1; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2; C494208:SNAP25 protein, human; D050825:Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25; D050638:Receptors, Dopamine D4; D050641:Receptors, Dopamine D5; D012701:Serotonin