There are many more calls and referrals regarding children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which is a form of Obsessive Compulsive behavior of children.  In April 2010 a study appeared in Health Day News of 304 youths found to have ADHD symptoms.  The finding was that these symptoms are more common in children and teens with high or low activity levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.  The children blamed themselves for conflict between their parents.  This study would indicate that there is an interaction of genetics and psychology which may be the root cause of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

 In this study it states “To date, studies have mostly focused on the effects of genetic and environmental influences on ADHD separately,” wrote Molly Nikolas of Michigan State University.  She states, “Our work examines interaction between the specific gene variant and a family environmental risk factor in order to determine the roles in the development of ADHD via behavioral and emotional disregulation in children.”  The genetic region examined by the researchers is the 5 HTTLPR, which is responsible for the regulation of the production of the protein that transports serotonin.  Previous studies have linked this area to a number of personality traits and neuropsychiatric disorder.  Again, “Overall, these results complement growing evidence suggesting that 5 HTTLPR variants confer a liability for ADHD that is activated in particular environments, rather than conferring risks for ADHD directly.”  This study was published on April 15, 2010 in the Journal of Behavioral and Brain Functions. 

 This finding indicates that simply medicating children for the sake of controlling their behavior may not be the best way to treat them for this disorder.

 

This entry was posted on Thursday, May 27th, 2010 at 10:09 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.