New study claims ADHD 'has a genetic link'

[mattx]

BBC News - New study claims ADHD 'has a genetic link'

 

But then the 'bad science' article states:

 

The researchers stressed that there is no single gene behind ADHD.......

 

And that is why it's an opinion based condition. The end.

[gl3nnym]

This kind of subject can really split up differences of opinion. Personally I think that ADHD is an excuse for behaviour problems. Others think it is a genuine condition which can be distressing to a family. I am no scientist so I don't know.

[jamesb]

So let's see, 15% of a sample of 366 gives us 54.9, call it 55.

 

7% of 1000 gives us 70.

 

So in fact they have identified more people with those genetic variations and no ADHD, than they have with ADHD in terms of absolute numbers. Hardly the conclusive, direct link they're talking about. Out of people with the genetic variations only 44% have ADHD. There could be plenty of environmental factors or other selection biases leading to this.

 

Also, out of the 366, 311 didn't have the genetic variations they were looking for.

 

Maybe there is a genetic factor, maybe not, but this study certainly doesn't provide any sort of proof, or even good evidence.

[bossman]

@mattx:

 

Morning!

Yes I head this on the radio coming in to work this morning and thought Hmmmm! another nail in the human races coffin, we now have more genetic mutations of the species to comprehend.

 

When I was younger it was called being boisterous and having lots of energy. You was made to go on cross country runs during PE to get rid of any excess energy and it worked.

 

Wahaaayyyyyy!!!! lets runaround and be crazy!!!! Jumping up and down shouting!! well we have a school full of people who are ADHD based on these findings hehe!!

[Greenbeast]

But then the 'bad science' article states:

 

The researchers stressed that there is no single gene behind ADHD.......

 

 

There is no single gene for any condition or feature of our biology, so they are completely right to say that and it has no bearing on whether ADHD is genetically linked on not.

[mattx]

There is no single gene for any condition or feature of our biology, so they are completely right to say that and it has no bearing on whether ADHD is genetically linked on not.

 

There is for me - It's called the 'miserable cantankerous old git who hates anything IT related' gene. Now excuse me, I have to go and complete 100 star jumps and run around our field waving my arms in the air like I just don't care to sort out my ADHD Depression Anxiety OCD Bipolar problem.

[jamesb]

There is no single gene for any condition or feature of our biology, so they are completely right to say that and it has no bearing on whether ADHD is genetically linked on not.

 

But there are usually consistent patterns of genes which indicate/cause a condition. In this case it looks like they've not really found anythign of import, but either the 'scientists' involved or the papers feel like making a big fuss over the research. I suspect (hope) that it's the papers.