Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder endophenotypes.

Alysa E Doyle; Erik G Willcutt; Larry J Seidman; Joseph Biederman; Virginie-Anne Chouinard; Julie Silva; Stephen V Faraone

doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.03.015

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PubMed · 15950005

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder endophenotypes.

Alysa E Doyle·Erik G Willcutt·Larry J Seidman·Joseph Biederman·Virginie-Anne Chouinard·Julie Silva·Stephen V Faraone

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Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly heritable disorder with a multifactorial pattern of inheritance. For complex conditions such as this, biologically based phenotypes that lie in the pathway from genes to behavior may provide a more powerful target for molecular genetic studies than the disorder as a whole. Although their use in ADHD is relatively new, such "endophenotypes" have aided the clarification of the etiology and pathophysiology of several other conditions in medicine and psychiatry. In this article, we review existing data on potential endophenotypes for ADHD, emphasizing neuropsychological deficits because assessment tools are cost effective and relatively easy to implement. Neuropsychological impairments, as well as measures from neuroimaging and electrophysiological paradigms, show correlations with ADHD and evidence of heritability, but the familial or genetic overlap between these constructs and ADHD remains unclear. We conclude that these endophenotypes will not be a quick fix for the field but offer potential if careful consideration is given to issues of heterogeneity, measurement and statistical power.

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Adoption Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity Brain Diagnostic Imaging Evoked Potentials Family Genetic Predisposition to Disease Humans Molecular Biology Neuropsychological Tests Problem Solving Receptors, Dopamine D1 Receptors, Dopamine D5 Receptors, Glutamate Twin Studies as Topic Journal Article Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Review

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Alysa E Doyle, Erik G Willcutt, Larry J Seidman, Joseph Biederman, Virginie-Anne Chouinard, Julie Silva, Stephen V Faraone. 2005-06-01. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder endophenotypes.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2005.03.015

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