Genetic influences on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

In this article we review behavioral and molecular genetics studies of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Family, twin, and adoption studies, along with segregation analyses and molecular genetic studies, all support the hypothesis that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the etiology of ADHD. Despite this strong evidence for the familial transmission of ADHD, the mode of transmission requires further clarification. In addition, because ADHD appears to be genetically heterogeneous, more work is needed to delineate genetically homogeneous subtypes and describe the range of expression of their underlying genotypes.