Gene-environment Interactions and Brain Functional Connectivity in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Gene-environment Interactions and Brain Functional Connectivity Associated With Norepinephrine System Genes in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The aims of the current study are to examine gene-environment interactions associated with norepinephrine (NE) system genes (ADRA2A, SLC6A2) in ADHD, and to evaluate whether genetic changes in norepinephrine pathway are associated with differences in functional connectivity of white matter fiber tracts, as measured by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Furthermore, this study aims to examine neurobiological markers, such as intermediate neuroimaging phenotypes or neuropsychological endophenotypes associated with the pathophysiology of ADHD. Through evaluating drug responses and side effects with the associated measures of clinical, neuropsychological and neuroimaging characteristics, investigators would like to investigate predictors of treatment response associated with NE system genes in ADHD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• 6-18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of neurological diseases, including convulsive disorders or brain damage
• IQ below 70
• Pervasive developmental disorder (autism)
• Language difficulties or learning disorders (reading disorders, mathematics disorders and disorders of written expression).
• Tourette's syndrome
• Bipolar disorder
• Psychosis