A study out of the Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics division of Cincinnati Children’s hospital has found that a certain type of dopamine receptor affects a child’s respond to ADHD medication. The important finding could help end some of guesswork associated with treating ADHD.

"We don’t have a good way of predicting who will experience great improvement in ADHD symptoms with a particular medication, so we use a trial-and-error approach. Unfortunately, as a result finding an effective treatment can take a long time," [lead researcher Tanya] Froehlich said.

"With more information about genes that may be involved in ADHD medication response, we might be able to predict treatment course” [Source: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center]

Researchers tested 89 children who had been diagnosed with ADHD but hadn’t yet begun taking medication. They were tested for the presence of a DNA gene that has been linked to ADHD. Children who had the gene and were given MPH-based medication showed better improvement than children who didn’t have it. Dr. Froehlich says the next step is to test other gene variants.

Labels: medications

Posted By: 4ADHD.com