Study of over 70 thousand children finds DNA overlap between early temperament and ADHD, autism
Data from five European cohorts compared parent-rated temperament with common DNA variants. The overlaps are statistical and do not predict an individual child's outcome.
Researchers analyzed data on more than 70 thousand children from five European cohorts, science.mail.ru reports. Parents rated four temperament traits of young children: emotionality, activity, shyness and sociability. The scientists compared these scores with millions of common DNA variants science.mail.ru
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The genetic patterns of early temperament were then compared with other traits. Variants linked to higher activity in childhood coincided with genetic indicators of ADHD. Higher sociability was associated with variants linked to a lower likelihood of autism and greater extraversion in adulthood. Emotionality showed genetic links with autism, neuroticism, depression and schizophrenia.
The findings are statistical coincidences, not direct cause and effect. Genetic variants do not allow predicting how a particular child will grow up or whether a mental disorder will develop.
The authors continue working on the topic. They consider that larger studies in different populations and laboratory verification of the genetic links found are needed.
