ADHD among adolescents with intellectual disabilities: pre-pathway influences

Res Dev Disabil. 2013 Jul;34(7):2268-79. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2013.02.025. Epub 2013 May 10.

Abstract

Children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at heightened risk for developing ADHD. However, the validity of ADHD as a diagnosis for youth with ID remains controversial. To advance research on validity, the present study examined the hypothesized precursors to ADHD in typically developing adolescents (TD) and adolescents with ID, specifically with regard to family history of ADHD, molecular genetics, and neuropsychological functioning. Results indicated that youth ADHD symptoms were related to parental ADHD symptoms regardless of the adolescent's cognitive functioning. Additionally, findings suggested that the DRD4 genetic variant and adolescent set-shifting abilities were related to adolescent ADHD symptoms independent of cognitive functioning. This study provides an initial investigation of the biological correlates of ADHD among youth with ID.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / etiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / genetics
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Female
  • Genetic Variation
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / complications
  • Intellectual Disability / genetics
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology*
  • Male
  • Receptors, Dopamine D4 / genetics

Substances

  • DRD4 protein, human
  • Receptors, Dopamine D4