Researchers discover gene that causes symptoms of ADHD

Research from Georgetown University Medical Center shows that a gene found in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with the loss of concentration, reports Science Centric.

The DAT1 gene produces the dopamine transporter that helps regulate the dopamine transmission between brain cells and comes in two forms, DAT1 10 and DAT1 9. Researchers found that brain scans show differences in brain network relationships between individuals with these genes.

The study found that individuals who inherit the DAT1 10 gene are more at risk for developing ADHD than those who inherit DAT1 9. Furthermore, officials noted that the DAT1 10 gene is more common and causes the brain to produce excess quantities of dopamine transporters which results in less chemical signaling between neurons.

Officials told the news source that these findings show that this process hinders the transfer of information between brain regions that allows new information to be absorbed, a common symptom of ADHD.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 5.4 million children between the ages of 4 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.