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BERKSHIRE AD/HD RESEARCH GROUP DNA-RESEARCH PROJECT

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AD/HD Study by Prof. David Comings - USA

A study of AD/HD children by Prof Comings found that the Al allele of the Dopamine D2 receptor gene was present in 49% of the AD/HD children compared to only 27% of the controls. Moreover, he and his group found AD/HD to be associated with abnormalities in two other important dopaminergic genes. The major finding of the Comings group is that while the Dopamine D2 receptor gene has the strongest association with AD/HD, the other two genes may act as modifiers to the Dopamine D2 receptor gene. What is more important is that when the severity of AD/HD was measured using a standard test, it was found that individuals that possessed all three of the abnormal gene forms scored highest in severity when compared to individuals that had one, two, or none of these genetic anomalies.

A number of laboratories have been actively searching for a gene in a family of genes associated with AD/HD. In this regard, a gene associated with the thyroid hormone has been associated with AD/HD. The thyroid complex may influence the dopaminergic system thought to be involved in AD/HD.

AD/HD with substance use disorders and a wide range of behavior disorders, it seems reasonable to suggest that childhood AD/HD may be a predisposing factor in all of these disorders. Establishing the link between AD/HD and other genetic disorders should provide insight that will influence treatment.

Scientists in the USA believe there is a relationship between AD/HD, as part of reward deficiency syndrome, and the risk for substance use disorders - is supported by recent molecular genetic evidence that a number of Dopamine variants (DRD2, DATI, and DBH) associate across the wide spectrum of behavioral disorders such as AD/HD, Tourette Syndrome, and conduct disorder, as well as addictive behaviors, including alcoholism, suggesting a COMMON GENETIC ANOMALY. It is also their opinion that the frustration and anger of undiagnosed, untreated, or misunderstood AD/HD lead to symptoms that are labeled conduct disorder. If this is the case and if it is true that it is these symptoms that lead to addictive behavior, then it is urgent that we address and treat AD/HD early, before serious life problems develop.

DNA Testing:

While there is a test (Dr Bravermans' clinic in New Jersey USA) this test determines whether a person has predisposition for AD/HD, substance use disorders, and other related behaviors. This test in conjunction with other diagnostic measures, significantly increases the accuracy of a diagnosis of AD/HD and substance use disorders. The NeuRecovery International has developed a test for identifying the presence of the Al allele of the Dopamine D2 receptor gene by extracting DNA from cheek cells. This test, the first of its kind, simply involves swabbing the inside of the mouth.

Since THREE DOPAMINERGIC GENES are associated with AD/HD the DNA testing involves the analysis of all three genes. The presence of more than one of these genes indicates an increased risk of having AD/HD. Individuals having all three gene anomalies are at the highest risk of having AD/HD and are likely to have it in a more severe form. If an individual does not carry any of the gene anomalies in the dopaminergic system, the likelihood of that person having AD/HD is greatly diminished. However, not having any genetic anomaly does not mean the individual cannot have AD/HD since other genes, still are unidentified, but may also cause a genetic predisposition. Certainly, combining the information of this test with other diagnostic tools to assess AD/HD significantly increases the accuracy of the diagnosis. Since anxiety and anger and often violence may be manifestations of reward deficiency, it may be useful to explore the relationship between genetic neurotransmitters imbalances and exaggerated flight or fight responses.

Measures of AD/HD:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). Should be used to diagnoseAD/HD, together with history details; school performance; PERFORMANCE TESTS: Commonly used performance tests are the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT) and the Test of Variable Attention (TOVA) - this test is available at Dr Kewleys' clinic in Horsham UK. In these tests the person responds to a 'target' in a specified way and the responses are evaluated to determine how well the person is able to sustain attention and how often he or she responds impulsively. These tests provide useful information, they form part of a diagnosis.

Brain Electrical Activity Mapping (BEAM):

BEAM is a technique that measures the electrical waves of the brain. Brain electrical activity can be observed and abnormalities identified. The brain's response to external stimuli can be measured and is called evoked-response potential (ERP). The P300 component of ERP is a wave associated with information processing, attention, and memory.

Prof Eric Braverman USA and associates, conclude that BEAM has important predictive value in identifying young children with AD/HD. This further links a common abnormality involving BEAM activity to both AD/HD and substance use disorder. Prof Blum and Prof Eric Braverman recently showed that the Al allele Dopamine D2 receptor gene is associated with a reduce response of the P300 wave.

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