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General Medical
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Written by Dr. Susan Badaracco
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Thursday, 18 February 2010 12:41 |
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The odds of having a blue-eyed baby are small. Since this is a recessive trait, most people recognize that brown eyes trumps blue eyes in the genetic pool. No one, however, declares that blue eyed people are 'not real". They make up 12% of our population. Children with ADHD make up somewhere between 7-12% of our population too. I still hear lingering doubts about it's existence. This diagnosis has been studied more extensively then depression, schizophrenia and even PTSD. Yet, some still believe these hyperactive children are a result of poor parenting and overdiagnosis by ambitious doctors.
A new study shows that is not the case and offers promise for the future. A variant on the Lactrophilin 3 gene was found in different populations around the world in patients diagnosed with ADHD. It is espressed in the areas of the brain associated with attention and activity Even more interesting, it plays a role in predicting how someone will respond to stimulants.
This means that when someone asks (in the future) if their child will respond well to the stimulant medicine I will have a better answer. Presently, I report that children have a 85-90% chance of responding well but I can't predict which 10-15% won't. In the future, with better understanding of a person's genetic makeup, we will be able to individualize therapies to be a perfect match for each child.
So when someone tells you they don't believe in ADHD, ask if they believe in blue eyes. Leave 'em guessing.
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Comments
I love this article. Do they curently do testing now for the Lactrophilin 3 Gene? I have a sneaky suspicion that our lac 3 gene is running wild in our family! Because, if I’m correct there is no “test” for ADHD? However, I do believe I have the gift to smell it a mile away! I do know that stimulant medicine works for one, yet not the other.
Bravo to you!