Psychiatry Investig.  2016 Jul;13(4):427-433. 10.4306/pi.2016.13.4.427.

Genetic Variations in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Subtypes and Treatment Resistant Cases

• Unal D
• Unal MF
• Alikasifoglu M
• Cetinkaya

• KMID: 2344741
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2016.13.4.427

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
ObjectiveaaWe evaluated the distribution of alpha-2A adrenergic receptor (ADRA2A) and catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among ADHD subtypes and other homogeneous patient populations including treatment-resistant cases and patients with high symptom severity.
METHODS
Methodsaa121 ADHD patients aged 6-18 years were included in the study. Diagnosis and subtypes designation were confirmed using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS) and symptoms were evaluated using the Conners' Parent (CPRS) and Teacher Rating Scales (CTRS). The response to methylphenidate was assessed objectively using the Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S) and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAS) as well as the Continuous Performance (CPT) and Trail Making tests (TMT-A, B). Patients were genotyped for ADRA2A (rs1800544) and COMT (rs4680) SNPs by PCR/RFLP and compared to a gender-matched control group.
RESULTS
Although there was no association of COMT (rs4680) SNP with symptoms or diagnosis, the ADRA2A polymorphism, low socioeconomic status (SES), and comorbid psychiatric diagnosis were all associated with poor response to methylphenidate in logistic regression analysis.
CONCLUSION
Clinicians may consider adjuvant strategies when these negative factors are present to increase the success of tailored ADHD treatments in the future.

Keyword

ADHD; ADRA2A; COMT; Genetics; Phenotype

MeSH Terms

Appointments and Schedules
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity*
Catechol O-Methyltransferase
Diagnosis
Genetic Variation*
Genetics
Humans
Logistic Models
Mental Disorders
Methylphenidate
Mood Disorders
Parents
Phenotype
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2
Schizophrenia
Social Class
Trail Making Test
Weights and Measures
Catechol O-Methyltransferase
Methylphenidate
Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2