Study finds genetic link in ADHD

A ground-breaking study has raised hopes of finding new treatments that could be used in a healthcare plan for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) sufferers.

Scientists from the University of Cardiff have discovered the first ever evidence of a genetic cause of the condition.

In their study, published in the Lancet, the researchers analysed DNA from 366 children who had been diagnosed with the disorder.

They compared this to the DNA of 1,047 people without the condition.

Significant differences in the sections of the DNA were found between a number of the ADHD sufferers and the control group.

Study leader Professor Anita Thapar explained: "We found that, compared with the control group, the children with ADHD have a much higher rate of chunks of DNA that are either duplicated or missing.

"This is really exciting - because it gives us the first direct genetic link to ADHD."

It is hoped that the discovery will help lead to more effective treatments for the condition in the future.

ADHD is the most common behavioural disorder in the UK, affecting between three and nine per cent of school-aged children.

Symptoms include an inability to concentrate and constant fidgeting.

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