Implications of Genetic Research for Child Psychiatry

1997 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 569-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Rutter
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Molecular Genetics ◽  
Genetic Counselling ◽  
Child Psychiatry ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Conduct Disorders ◽  
Tourette’S Syndrome ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Oppositional Defiant

Objective: To review implications of genetic research in child psychiatry. Method: Key advances in quantitative and molecular genetics are noted and findings are summarized with respect to autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant and conduct disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and Tourette's syndrome. Conclusions: Genetic findings will be helpful clinically in the elucidation of disordered brain processes, the understanding of nature–nurture interplay, diagnosis, genetic counselling, and pharmacotherapy.

The Genetics of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

CNS Spectrums ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 49-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ranga Ram ◽  
Kim M. Schindler ◽  
Amy Bauer ◽  
Carlos N. Pato ◽  
Michele T. Pato
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Familial Aggregation ◽  
Receptor Gene ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Oppositional Defiant

AbstractAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has an early childhood onset in the majority of cases. This has a considerable impact on the development of the affected individual, both directly (as a result of the symptoms) and indirectly (through the stresses imposed upon school, learning, socialization, and family life). Several lines of evidence point to a genetic component to ADHD. Family studies show a familial aggregation of ADHD, with a five- to sixfold increase in the incidence of ADHD among first-degree relatives. Twin studies reveal a higher concordance rate for ADHD among monozygotic twins compared with dizygotic twins. To date, molecular genetic research has focused on candidate genes in the dopaminergic system. Genes studied include the D2A1 allele of the dopamine D2 receptor gene, the dopamine transporter gene, and the dopamine D4 receptor gene. One of the major limitations to the study of the genetics of behavioral disorders in children has been the overlap among syndromes, including oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, persistent (adult) ADHD, and bipolar disorder. Future research must address weaknesses in existing studies, including small samples sizes, restricted statistical power, and confounding factors such as comorbid illnesses, clinical heterogeneity with variable symptom severity, and unclear phenotypic boundaries.

scholarly journals Callous-unemotional traits in Chinese preschool children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinsong Zhang ◽  
Wei Li ◽  
Huifeng Zhang ◽  
Amanda Wilson ◽  
Lan Shuai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Preschool Children ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Incremental Validity ◽  
Behavioural Problems ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Cu Traits ◽  
Callous Unemotional ◽  
Oppositional Defiant ◽  
Callous Unemotional Traits

Abstract Background Children with early onset of Callous-Unemotional (CU) traits are at a higher risk for long-term, persistent psychosocial problems. The current study aimed to explore the characteristics of CU in preschool children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the diagnostic significance of CU traits in ADHD. Methods A total of 176 preschool children (89 with ADHD and 87 Typically Developing Children [TDC]) aged 4–5 years old were recruited to the study. The participants were assessed for CU traits, emotional and behavioral problems, and how their executive functioning was associated with ADHD using multiple assessment scales. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the incremental validity of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU), adjusting for possible covariates by child’s sex, conduct problems, and oppositional defiant symptoms. Results The results showed that there was a significant difference of ICU scores between the ADHD and TDC groups (F = 30.12, P < 0.001). In terms of callousness, ADHD + Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) group showed a significant high score, and the ADHD only group scored significantly higher than the TDC group (F = 20.42, P < 0.001). The ICU was negatively associated with the prosocial behaviour subscale (γ = − 0.57, P < 0.01) and showed low to moderate positive correlations with emotional and behavioural problems, as well as executive function (γ = 0.24–0.67, P < 0.05). The ICU scores explained 6% of the incremental validity in ADHD symptoms. The diagnostic value of the ICU for ADHD was medium and acceptable. Conclusions The current study indicated that early identification of CU traits may help clinicians better understand symptoms and behavioural problems in children with ADHD. CU traits therefore could be considered as a useful assessment tool for ADHD.

Improvement of facial affect recognition in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder under methylphenidate

2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 202-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Beyer von Morgenstern ◽  
Ingrid Becker ◽  
Judith Sinzig
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Facial Affect ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Aetiological Factor ◽  
Affect Recognition ◽  
Facial Affect Recognition ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Oppositional Defiant

Introduction and HypothesisSome authors draw a connection between the dopaminergic pathways and emotional perception. The present study is based on that association and addresses the question whether methylphenidate and the resulting amelioration of the disturbed dopamine metabolism lead to an improvement of the facial affect recognition abilities in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).MethodsA computer test was conducted on 21 participants, aged 7–14 years and with a diagnosis of ADHD – some with comorbid oppositional defiant disorder – conducted the FEFA (Frankfurt Test and Training of Facial Affect), a computer test to examine their facial affect recognition abilities. It consists of two subtests, one with faces and one with eye pairs. All participants were tested in a double-blind cross-over study, once under placebo and once under methylphenidate.Results and DiscussionThe collected data showed that methylphenidate leads to amelioration of facial affect recognition abilities, but not on a significant level. Reasons for missing significance may be the small sample size or the fact that there exists some overlapping in cerebral connections and metabolic pathways of the site of action of methylphenidate and the affected dopaminergic areas in ADHD. However, consistent with the endophenotype concept, certain gene locations of the dopaminergic metabolism as both an aetiological factor for ADHD and the deficient facial affect recognition abilities with these individuals were considered. Consulting current literature they were found to be not concordant. Therefore, we conclude that the lacking significance of the methylphenidate affect on facial affect recognition is based on this fact.

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