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Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Related To Advantageous Gene
Science Daily ^ | 01-09-2002 | U/C, Irvine

Posted on 01/09/2002 5:02:21 PM PST by 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


TOPICS: Culture/Society; News/Current Events
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"they also found that the 7R allele was created recently and may have provided an evolutionary advantage at some time in human history."

Somehow I already knew that.

1 posted on 01/09/2002 5:02:22 PM PST by blam
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To: blam
Attention; ADD related to enviroment and lack of discipline....
2 posted on 01/09/2002 5:06:10 PM PST by Rain-maker
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To: blam
...why ADHD is so pervasive and may show us a way to provide more effective treatments."

Once a normal and adaptive behavioral pattern, it now requires treatment.

We have come this far...

3 posted on 01/09/2002 5:08:30 PM PST by Rudder
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To: blam
Yes. And since our public school system tries to force every kid into a common mold, one must seek novelty or go stark raving mad.

Probably, Thomas Edison. Henry Ford, the Wright bros. , Einstein and countless other "misfits" had this problem.

4 posted on 01/09/2002 5:12:05 PM PST by BADJOE
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To: BADJOE
I can't seem to pay attention to this article.
5 posted on 01/09/2002 5:15:53 PM PST by patriciaruth
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To: patriciaruth
What?

Hey, look out there!~

6 posted on 01/09/2002 5:20:56 PM PST by muawiyah
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To: blam
It's that some people can consume sugar, the Attention Deficit people can't.
7 posted on 01/09/2002 5:22:40 PM PST by the gillman@blacklagoon.com
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To: patriciaruth
This morning upon arriving at my place of work, I looked West and LO, and BEHOLD, there was a rainbow in the sky - and as I read the colors - Violet, Bright Red, Red, Orange, Bright Yellow, Yellow, Light Yellow, Green, Grey, and Purple Haze, I knew there was adaptive variation in the genetic package we get.

Theirs looks for a way out - no doubt! Mine sees the deer or bunny rabbit hidden in the foilage of the forest so that we can eat regularly.

8 posted on 01/09/2002 5:24:17 PM PST by muawiyah
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To: blam
DUH!!

Little boys are the progeny of warriors who survived battle to reproduce. Being hyper and alert was a huge advantage for warriors, and was easily controlled with military discipline.

9 posted on 01/09/2002 5:25:16 PM PST by gwynapnudd
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To: Rudder
>Once a normal and adaptive behavioral pattern, it now requires treatment.

>We have come this far...

That is because normal today means sitting still in a frikkin cube for 9 to 10 hrs a day.

10 posted on 01/09/2002 5:34:02 PM PST by Dialup Llama
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To: Rain-maker
Actually, you are wrong.


I have a 15 year old daughter with ADHD who was diagnosed at 7. I was a stay at home mom, she always had discipline and structure, but bless her heart, she just couldn't stop moving. After two years of kindergarten, she still didn't know her alphabet--she literaly couldn't sit still long enough. She was diagnosed, and yes, given Ritalin, and she learned to read at a 1st grade level in 6 weeks. At 15, she, not me, talks to the dr about her needs and openly discusses where she feels change is needed.

While it sounds like a pat diagnosis--no discipline or environment, please remember children are complicated. My husband and I thank God that she received the help she needed in a timely manner.

11 posted on 01/09/2002 5:38:26 PM PST by Thoeting
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To: Dialup Llama
That is because normal today means sitting still in a frikkin cube for 9 to 10 hrs a day.

Remember that when you or one of your friends has a panic attack.

I'm serious.

Having the inclination and the equipment--as a male--to protect your family and friends "...requires treatment."

Sittng in a "cube," as you say it well, is in conflict with what you are built and prepared to do.

Take some more Xanax and be still, will you?

12 posted on 01/09/2002 5:46:20 PM PST by Rudder
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To: blam
I love science that mixes speculation and guessing with the lab work....not.
13 posted on 01/09/2002 5:52:25 PM PST by Enlightiator
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To: Thoeting
Defense of towards child indicates less energy spent on development and more on rebuttal.

Straighten up and fly right...there's no room for excuses in your child's future!!!

Don't give me sorry ass chemical imbalance speculating theories when they only been tested for 20 years.

Tough love lady, or reap what you sow!

14 posted on 01/09/2002 6:42:14 PM PST by Rain-maker
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To: Rain-maker
Dumb is a dumb does>>>> You lack cracking the whip on discipline, thusly so will your chidren!~

Prerogative rest in the arbitrator...and if you want a soft-serve cone go to dairy queen...

15 posted on 01/09/2002 6:48:03 PM PST by Rain-maker
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Comment #16 Removed by Moderator

Comment #17 Removed by Moderator

To: Dialup Llama
People are kept in glass cages now...then let out on the week-ends.
18 posted on 01/09/2002 7:29:37 PM PST by Aquamarine
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To: blam
The ability and inclination to rob, rape and pillage once got you elected chief. Now, it gets you 20 to life in prison.
19 posted on 01/09/2002 7:40:55 PM PST by RicocheT
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My ADHD son is a blessing. He never stops. Always on the go. Always doing something. The kid is 14 and rebuilt the carburator on his Dad's car this evening (took him two hours) then he put it back on the car and started it up. I wish I had the energy he has!

Discipline is the same with these children as any other child. Punish quickly, praise immediately. Never really have a problem with him. Well....he does tend to talk too loud when he gets excited but I can live with that.

20 posted on 01/09/2002 7:41:59 PM PST by Whey
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