Dopamine transporter 3'UTR VNTR genotype is a marker of performance on executive function tasks in children with ADHD
2008

Dopamine transporter genotype and executive function in children with ADHD

Sample size: 196 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Karama Sherif, Grizenko Natalie, Sonuga-Barke Edmund, Doyle Alysa, Biederman Joseph, Mbekou Valentin, Polotskaia Anna, Ter-Stepanian Marina, De Guzman Rosherrie, Bellingham Johanne, Sengupta Sarojini, Joober Ridha

Primary Institution: McGill University

Hypothesis

DAT1 gene genotype has an effect on executive function performance.

Conclusion

The study found that children with the 9/10 genotype generally performed worse on executive function tasks compared to those with the 10/10 genotype.

Supporting Evidence

  • Children with the 9/10 genotype exhibited poorer performance on executive function tasks.
  • Significant effects were found on the Tower of London and WISC-III Freedom From Distractibility Index.
  • No effect of genotype was detected on Wisconsin Card Sorting Test measures.

Takeaway

Kids with a certain gene type (9/10) did worse on thinking tasks than kids with another type (10/10).

Methodology

196 children with ADHD were genotyped and tested using neuropsychological tests to assess executive function.

Limitations

The sample mainly included children with combined type ADHD, limiting analysis of other subtypes.

Participant Demographics

Children aged 6 to 12 years diagnosed with ADHD.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.009

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-244X-8-45

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