Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Related To Advantageous Gene

Science Daily ^ | 01-09-2002 | U/C, Irvine

[blam]

Source: University Of California, Irvine
(http://www.uci.edu)
Date: Posted 1/9/2002

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Related To Advantageous Gene

Irvine, Calif., Jan. 8, 2002 -- A variant form of a gene associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) indicates that the disorder is a recent affliction and may once have helped humans thrive and survive, according to a UCI College of Medicine study.

The human gene study, which appears in the Jan. 8 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, suggests that behavior now considered inappropriate in a classroom may be related to behavior that once helped humans overcome their environment.

Robert Moyzis, professor of biological chemistry, and his colleagues studied genes from 600 individuals worldwide. Among numerous new genetic variations of the receptor for the dopamine neurotransmitter, they found one linked strongly to both ADHD and a behavior trait called "novelty seeking," a condition often underlying addiction. Their analysis of the genetic variations also suggests that this variation occurred recently in human evolution between 10,000 and 40,000 years ago.

"We found a significant positive selection for the genetic variation associated with ADHD and novelty-seeking behavior in the human genome," Moyzis said. "This study strengthens significantly the connection between genetic variations and ADHD. It also provides a clue as to why ADHD is so pervasive and may show us a way to provide more effective treatments."

The researchers found 56 variations, or alleles (al-LEELEs) of a gene called DRD4, which produces the receptor for dopamine, a neurotransmitter. One allele, known as 7R, was strongly associated with ADHD. By analyzing the variations in DRD4, they also found that the 7R allele was created recently and may have provided an evolutionary advantage at some time in human history. The study could not determine, however, if that evolutionary selection is still occurring.

Brain cells signal each other with a number of neurotransmitters, including dopamine. The dopamine system, among other things, controls movement behavior and may be involved in learning and responding to psychological rewards. It also has been implicated in addictive behavior.

ADHD is the most common disorder in early childhood, affecting about 3 percent of all elementary school children in the United States. The disorder is marked by developmentally inappropriate conduct, lack of attention, impulsive and hyperactive behavior, all occurring before a child becomes 7 years old. Approximately half of children with ADHD have the 7R allele.

Between 10,000 and 40,000 years ago, anthropologists concur that humans were developing the first signs of complex societies, replete with agriculture, rudimentary governments and the creation of cities for the first time. Humans also were rapidly expanding and exploring the planet. These revolutionary changes in human societies may have changed the forces that selected for certain genetic traits.

"Our data show that the creation of the 7R allele was an unusual, spontaneous mutation, which became an advantage for humans," Moyzis said. "Because it was an advantage, the gene became increasingly prevalent. This is very different from other genes that predispose to genetic disorders, where the mutations are detrimental. We believe this helps explain why a disorder with such a strong genetic association is so common today."

The researchers are now working on determining how the genetic variations in DRD4 may actually predispose individuals to ADHD and other behaviors, and on examining the relationship between other complex genetic variations and ADHD.

Moyzis's colleagues include Yuan-Chun Ding, Han-Chang Chi, Deborah Grady, Pam Flodman, M. Anne Spence, Sabrina Schuck and James Swanson of UCI; Ya-Ping Zhang of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China; and Atsuyuki Morishima, Judith Kidd and Kenneth Kidd of Yale University.

The study was supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institute of Mental Health

[wildehunt]

Thomm Hartmann - A Hunter and Farmer Approach to ADD/ADHD

This fellow has been using this premise as an approach to treatment for quite a while..
It's interesting...

[blam]

"When I was in school, I learned that the birth of agriculture and the creation of villages occurred 8,000 years ago. Does anyone remember this "changing"?"

Yes....and I have been trying to push it back even further. (and it was most likely in the Indus valley, not the Euphrates valley. maybe, even the Black Sea area.)

[Whey]

WOw...That is my SON! He is definately a hunter!

[MissAmericanPie]

What kind of advantage I wonder? If my child had this gene I would have to home school him rather than risk the medication they give them for it. I have heard that Retalin (sp?) works on the same area of the brain as cocaine does and some kids that have used it have grown up to be addicted to cocaine.

[Whey]

The advantages I see in my ADHD son, are: He can quickly adapt to anything,weather, food, new enviornment with ease. When plans get upset he could care less, he just makes a new plan. He can HYPER-focus. The kid can't sit still to eat dinner but can sit in a deer stand till his butt chaps. When we duck hunt he ALWAYS takes the first shot and is always acurate (can't figure out how he can react that fast!). Capable of HARD work. When they meet an obstacle they go around but NEVER GIVE UP.

[MissAmericanPie]

So adaptability is the advantage then. I can't wait to tell my best friend who's son has it. I'm glad to be able to print out this article for her.

[wildehunt]

The same goes for sitting still, or mentally staying in the room for class,
but put them on a playing field, or skates, and they are at their best...

It's not a disorder but, as we say in the horse business,
it's a "different way of going"..

It requires a way of living that makes use of it's advantages...

[a history buff]

Einstein had such problems with his attention that he flunked the entrance exam to study physics, and at one time gave up hope of ever being admitted to study at a university.

http://www-groups.dcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/~history/Mathematicians/Einstein.html

I'm not sure that chemically intervening would have been in mankind's interest. I wonder how many latter day Einsteins have been ritalined into a "productive" life.

[a history buff]

Depends where.

[Thoeting]

If my child had any other disorder and needed medication, she would get it.

She excells in school, manages her disorder on her own and achieves very strong grades while in an advanced program.

I don't know or care what caused this, although there is certainly a strong genetic link in my family. My father beat the living daylights out of my brother, but he couldnt stay out of trouble. We went to church every time the doors were open, and he couldn't stay out of trouble. He pulled fire alarms constantly and got his ass torn up so bad he could barely sit for days. I'm talking about real abuse, all in the name of discipline! He stole, he ran away from school, he picked fights and he got his butt spanked constantly--well into his teens. He spent time in jail for drugs. Don't even imply this disorder is fixed by discipline and "cracking the whip." It's not

Now, do I believe (as a teacher and yes, I teach in the public schools) that ADD/ADHD is overdiagnosed? you bet--that is why my daughter went through extensive testing to eliminate every possible avenue. All tests pointed to ADHD. And BTW, I have never encouraged a parent to place their child on medication, I encourage them to research with their doctor to find solutions

I offered my daughters story as an example of a young lady who was given an obstacle and overcame it. Perhaps I should have tied in more of the genetic factor and links, but I didn't want to bore anyone with long stories. Medication takes away about 50% of her symptoms, she handles the rest through discipline and self-motivation. She has a personal goal to go off all medications before college. I support that decision.

You had no right to attack me

[timestax]

Who let the dawgs out?!

[AAABEST]

The story about your kid is very heartening. I knew a guy a while back who had a kid (about 8 years old) that was much like yours. I remember he wanted to get into little league but his dad wasn't much of a ball player, so I worked with him on batting. Within 10 minutes the kid was literally blasting every pitch I threw. His dad looked kind of stunned as he watched.

Too bad the father listened to a bunch of low IQ teachers and put the poor kid on ridilin even though I begged him not too. It was very sad. The teachers, doctors and even the dad seemed like a bunch of gouls to me, so adament about taking the spark out of a great kid who was more a ball of fire than a behavior problem.

[LoneGOPinCT]

From the looks of Rain-maker's cryptic responses, I think he is still trying to grasp the English language as well as the alphabet. Perhaps a case of missed-diagnosis.

Sounds like you've done the right thing with your daughter. No-one knows better than the parent.

My 4 yr. old son is, I suspect, a candidate to be diagnosed with ADHD. In preschool he is constantly moving around, has a tough time paying attention, has a tough time sharing with other kids. Physically and intellectually he is on par with his classmates, some of whom are already five, but behaviorily he's lacking. His teacher says he is a very bright kid, and then went on to insinuate that he may need some "help" or "attention" dealing with his behavior. Thanks to CT's new state law she is unable to recommend Ritalin, but did suggest we take up his excessive energy with his pediatrician.

[FITZ]

The teachers, doctors and even the dad seemed like a bunch of gouls to me, so adament about taking the spark out of a great kid who was more a ball of fire than a behavior problem.

I like my kids' pediatrician, he doesn't believe in much in ADD, he says they are paying attention, but they're paying attention to 5 or 6 things at the same time so the teachers think they aren't paying attention. They're listening to the teacher, watching out the window, talking with a friend, playing with a pencil and daydreaming about what they'll do after school.

[SpookBrat]

I agree with everything you both said.

I'm an adult 33 year old woman with severe ADD, and it was probably ADHD when I was a child. My mother beat the living daylights out of me all the time to no avail. I think because I was a girl, my behavior at school was a little better. I just couldn't shut up, but I never acted out physically.

I grew up very depressed because I couldn't figure out what was wrong with my brain and felt like there was no hope and I was such a looser. I wasn't as good as all the other kids who could do it "right". There was so much pressure to concentrate and get the job done, and I just couldn't do it. Then it looked like I was a bad girl, ignoring requests to do chores, or not getting my homework done, etc.

Being called lazy, stupid, crazy, sometimes evil...was the norm.

I totally failed school, but this was before they ended social promotion. My teachers liked me so they passed me.

It wasn't until I was 28 that I got a good diagnosis (after they labeled me everything else in the book and nothing fit). I also got an IQ test and much to my surprise I WAS SMART!!! I have a high IQ, I just can't spell. LOL I was so happy for a piece of paper to tell me I'm actually smart, after being called stupid all my life.

I can't take the meds that treat this because I found the side effects uncomfortable. I have to live a very structured, self disciplined life, and I use an egg timer of all things. I time everything in 15 minute intervals, otherwise I lose focus. I can and do HYPER focus to an extreme. I told the doctor he was crazy to tell me I had ADD because I can sit and read a book for 12 hours straight while the house burns down. He said that is one of our strengths.

I do think there is some truth to this article about addiction. I've never had a problem with being addicted to a substance, but I am addicted to “thinking” if that makes sense. LOL It's almost on an OCD level. My brain goes a trillion miles and hour and I have a hard time turning it off, so much so, it interrupts sleep.

Thoeting, it sounds like your daughter is a strong young women. She will do fine. It's good you caught it early and treated it early, and taught her how to function in a world that only focuses on the negative traits she has.

We have a lot of strengths which I have learned to appreciate and accept. I’ve always been a big risk taker. I can jump right into a problem, hyper focus and solve it, which has helped me be a leader when a leader was needed. We are very creative, empathetic, sensitive and compassionate. Dreamers aren’t bad because we are visionaries. We wouldn’t have any modern day conveniences if it weren’t for an ADHD dreamer. They are free spirits and unique. I’m extremely strong willed, but that’s not too bad. If you mold a strong willed child to use their strengths in a positive way, they make excellent leaders and are never afraid to stand up for what they believe in.

ADHD children aren’t bad or naughty. They just need to be understood by a very patient, tolerant, long suffering adult who is willing to invest the time it takes to guide them to being a functional human being in this world. They are challenging, but they aren’t bad.

[SpookBrat]

That was a cool link. I'll have to read that more when I get the time. Thanks.