Genes predict child's response to Equasym in treatment of ADHD

New research suggests that the genetic characteristics of a child with ADHD may offer a useful indicator in selecting the treatment most suitable for them. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that out of 89 children aged from 7-11 with ADHD, those with specific variations of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)and dopamine transporter (DAT) genes exhibited a significant improvement in hyperactivity and impulsivity after taking Equasym (methylphenidate), from Shire, compared to those with other genetic signatures. Currently, predicting who will experience improvement in symptoms with a particular medication is very difficult for doctors. On the other hand, genes may prove valuable for tailoring treatment to individuals, for predicting treatment course and improving symptom response while decreasing health care costs. The research was led by Tanya Froehlich M.D., from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. For details see: "Pharmacogenetic Predictors of Methylphenidate Dose-Response in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder" by Froehlich et al. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Volume 50, Issue 11, Pages 1129-1139.e2, November 2011.