What Genetic Factors Influence ADHD Symptoms, Autistic Traits, and Anxiety?

New Delhi, June 10 (NationPress) Researchers have uncovered genetic factors that trigger symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, and anxiety.

The international research, spearheaded by King’s College London in the UK, explored how varying sensitivities to environmental factors can impact levels of ADHD symptoms, autistic characteristics, anxiety and depression symptoms, psychotic experiences, and neuroticism.

A collaborative effort from researchers across 23 universities worldwide involved analyzing data from up to 21,792 identical twins (10,896 pairs) across 11 studies, aiming to identify genetic variants associated with environmental sensitivity. This study stands as the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) of identical twins conducted to date.

They pinpointed several genetic elements correlated with variations in environmental sensitivity among identical twin pairs. The interaction of these genetic factors with environmental influences may elucidate differences in vulnerability to psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, as noted in their publication in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.

“Variability in how individuals respond to life experiences can clarify why identical negative or positive incidents might impact mental health differently, based on genetic predispositions. Our results indicate that particular genetic variants affect how environmental exposures shape psychiatric and neurodevelopmental symptoms,” explained Dr. Elham Assary, a Postdoctoral Researcher at King’s.

Among the genetically identical twins, the study revealed that genes associated with growth factors—biological molecules vital for neurodevelopment, immune responses, and central nervous system function—were related to differences in autistic traits.

Additionally, genes linked to stress reactivity were found to correlate with variations in depression symptoms, while genes involved in catecholamine regulation—hormones crucial for stress responses—were associated with variations in psychotic-like experiences, the research team stated.

“These results affirm that genetics play a role in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental traits by influencing how individuals interact with their surroundings. Some individuals display heightened sensitivity to their environments, which can be beneficial in favorable circumstances but may complicate life in stressful situations,” noted Professor Thalia Eley, a Professor of Developmental Behavioural Genetics at King’s.