The Genetics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Ethical and Public Policy Implications
Overview
Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common childhood psychiatric disorder. Its diagnosis and treatment has been surrounded by controversy. Recent research has identified several potential genes for the condition. The current project aims to review a selection of these studies, summarising their methodologies and findings. The identification of a genetic basis for ADHD could improve the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. However, these new findings have ethical and public policy implications. The findings would have impact on the understanding and characterisation of the disorder, the use and interpretation of the genetic testing results in diagnosis, the choices in therapy and treatment, and the allocation of resources in education and health care services.
OPPE Staff
Max Yeh
Katherine Morley and Wayne Hall (supervisors)
Status
Complete
Outcomes
A publication in
a peer-reviewed journal:
Yeh, M., Morley, K.I. & Hall,
W.D. (2004) The policy and ethical implications of genetic research on
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 38(1-2): 10-19.
Funding
Contact webmaster: oppe@uq.edu.au
Last updated: 1 September
2004