title: Biomarkers for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A consensus report of the WFSBP task force on biological markers and the World Federation of ADHD.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Psychiatric "nosology" is largely based on clinical phenomenology using convention-based diagnostic systems not necessarily reflecting neurobiological pathomechanisms. While progress has been made regarding its molecular biology and neuropathology, the phenotypic characterization of ADHD has not improved. Thus, validated biomarkers, more directly linked to the underlying pathology, could constitute an objective measure for the condition.
  
  
  METHODS
  The task force on biological markers of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and the World Federation of ADHD commissioned this paper to develop a consensus report on potential biomarkers of ADHD. The criteria for biomarker-candidate evaluation were: (1) sensitivity >80%, (2) specificity >80%, (3) the candidate is reliable, reproducible, inexpensive, non-invasive, easy to use, and (4) confirmed by at least two independent studies in peer-reviewed journals conducted by qualified investigators.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No reliable ADHD biomarker has been described to date, but some promising candidates (e.g., olfactory sensitivity, substantial echogenicity) exist. A problem in the development of ADHD markers is sample heterogeneity due to aetiological and phenotypic complexity and age-dependent co-morbidities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most likely, no single ADHD biomarker can be identified. However, the use of a combination of markers may help to reduce heterogeneity and to identify homogeneous subtypes of ADHD.
authors: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany. johannes.thome@med.uni-rostock.de
authors: Johannes
authors: J
authors: Thome
authors: Ann-Christine
authors: AC
authors: Ehlis
authors: Andreas J
authors: AJ
authors: Fallgatter
authors: Kerstin
authors: K
authors: Krauel
authors: Klaus W
authors: KW
authors: Lange
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Riederer
authors: Marcel
authors: M
authors: Romanos
authors: Regina
authors: R
authors: Taurines
authors: Oliver
authors: O
authors: Tucha
authors: Marat
authors: M
authors: Uzbekov
authors: Manfred
authors: M
authors: Gerlach
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000652:urine; D005071:Evoked Potentials; D006801:Humans; D059906:Neuroimaging
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers