Sphingolipid Synthesis

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder has a complicated and interesting history and because of that it is important to understands this disorders implications and comorbidity to better treat and diagnose it. Research done by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 11% of the US population between the ages of 4-17 are affected with ADHD; that’s 6.4 million children and the prevalence of diagnosis is only increasing (2016). It was generally assumed that ADHD was something children would grow out of but new studies show that approximately 4% of the adult population in the US are still suffering from ADHD or have developed ADHD (Breyer, J. L., Lee, S., Winters, K. C., August, G. J., & Realmuto, G. M. 2014). ADHD is

Estimates suggest that ADHD decreases in only about one-third of adolescence (santrock, 2003). It’s now being recognized that these problems may continue into adulthood. Definitive causes of ADHD have not been found. However, a number of causes have been proposed, such as low levels of certain neurotransmitter (chemical messengers in the

ADHD classifies as a congenital disorder and directly modifies the brain’s functions, including impairments in concentration, emotional regulation, memory, organization and other mental abilities under cognitive function.

ADHD is believed to be caused by abnormalities in the dopamine neurotransmitters in the brain (Berne

Despite the fact that ADHD is constantly in the news for one reason or another, there is no consensus on what it

It is widely agreed that ADHD is over diagnosed. According to the study, only 22 percent of 92 children referred to an ADHD clinic actually met the criteria. Furthermore, numerous arguments would urge the general public and the medical community that what has been proven is a large varying degree of severity of the condition. In turn, the symptoms may be expressed in every person, only with varying intensity. Although no conclusive evidence is currently available to prove the existence of the genetic disorder, no concrete evidence dispels its existence either. Still, the fact that the disorder has passed through a crowd of names, including organic drivenness, hyperkinetic syndrome, attention-deficit disorder and now ADHD provides evidence on

Some major causal variables that have been identified are categorised as neurological factors, toxic reactions, genetic linkages and environmental factors. However, most of the available evidence found, points to neurological factors, which are imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain, and genetic variables as the primary causes of ADHD. The environmental factors and toxic reactions (such as lead exposure and food additives) are considered very minimal causes of ADHD. The search for causes of ADHD continues. There are many variables which are biological or thought to have an affect on biological functioning.

CDC wrote this statement “ADHD is one of the most common disorders of childhood”. Children may have

These names are as varied as the many factors proposed as cuses. Along with the recent insights into the role of genetics and neurobiology in ADHD, today it’s known that ADHD is not exclusive to children and can easily persist into adulthood.”

DNA contains the genetic information that makes us who we are, from our genotype to our phenotype. Our genetic makeup can contribute to our behaviour and so much more. However, because we are very complex beings the ways in which our genes contribute to our behaviour also works in a complex manner (Nelson & Israel, 2015). Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the correlation between genetics and behavioral disorders such as ADHD. The purpose of this essay is to examine the role genetics plays in the development of ADHD, the ways in which ADHD can affect development, and the importance of understanding that ADHD has a dimensional nature of diagnosis and works in a continuum.

There are many negatives involved in ADHD, but what’s often overlooked, are the positives. One of these positives is the fact that this disorder is very manageable and treatable. We have an extended amount of knowledge from numerous studies that have been done since the disorder was discovered. From these studies we now know that this disorder can affect people in many ways and be a burden on someone if not treated properly.

While French physicians consider ADHD a psychosocial condition rather than a biological, only 0.5% of French children are diagnosed with ADHD. Conversely, 11% of US children are diagnosed as well as prescribed drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall. The over diagnosis of child-onset ADHD in the US also correlates with the rise of Ritalin prescription and abuse in school and college age adolescents (Mayes et al., 2008). Although physicians are working to implement greater scrutiny on false diagnoses of ADHD, there is still heavy misuse among the adolescent population and variability of doctor bias. The inconsistency in both reliable diagnostic and treatment consensus emphasize the imperative to implement stronger genetics based studies of psychiatric disorders. Such studies to pinpoint genes, gene products and eventually, neuro-biological pathways related to mental disorders can elucidate focused diagnostic tests and effective treatments for mental health patients. Population based studies were among the first scientific studies to confirm the heritable nature of mental disorders. Since the 1970s, psychiatrists clinically observed mental disorders among family members and hypothesized their possible heritable tendencies.

Genetic risk when passed on from parents is known as inherited risk/liability; not all genetic risks are necessarily inherited. First degree relatives of those with ADHD are two to eight times more likely than relatives of unaffected individuals to also show ADHD.”(Thapar, Cooper, Eyre, Langley, 2013) Researchers are studying many different genes that may be more likely to contribute to people developing the disorder. If you know the genes involved then maybe one day researchers may be able to help prevent the disorder before any symptoms develop. If we learn more about specific genes it could lead to better treatment plans.

Another hypothesis that has been considered for the cause of ADHD is genetic inheritance. It is stated in Barkley’s 1998 article in Scientific American that, "ADHD is a polygenic disorder—that is, more than one gene contributes to it." There has been many studies done with twins to help support this hypothesis. One of the largest studies was conducted by Helene Gjone, Jon M. Sundet, and Jim Stevenson, in which it involved many identical twins who had inherited the same genes. This

According to scientists 57% of parents whose children suffer from ADHD had the same symptoms in their childhood. Many patients at the doctor’s office talk about their difficult childhood and the difficulties they experienced in school, what kind of treatment they received, and now the same problems arise in their own children. Genetics scientsts are trying to find the exact answer