Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder seen from genetics and epigenetics: a research theoretical review

Abstract

The field of genetics has managed to present in its investigation results on how the Hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder is regulated by various genes which interact in a combined way. Some are: DRD4, which codifies the dopamine receptor, and DAT1, which codifies the dopamine transporter. Likewise studies carried out with twins which have revealed a high coefficient of inheritability. On the other hand epigenetics, with its remarkable input, takes care of investigating how individuals can achieve inheriting and outlining characteristics which are originated in the way they are educated, the influence of their environment from lifestyles to their eating habits, without any alteration of their DNA. In this way, the results of this research, realize the knowledge of genetics and epigenetics expand the comprehension of the alterations of those individuals who present the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, opening new horizons for treatment from different fields such as: neuropsychological, psychological, pharmaceutical as well as preventive ones. (IV Conference on TDAH: Behavior Disorders, 2014.

Keywords

• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• progress historical
• genetics
• epigenetics
• diagnostic
• treatment