Recent study findings show that five
major disorders— autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder and schizophrenia — may share common
genetic risk factors. These findings may
help pave the way to a better understanding and more treatment options for
these disorders in the future.
To look for common genetic markers, researchers
scanned the genes of more than 33,000 people suffering from these disorders and
nearly 28,000 people without such issues.
"This study, for the first
time, shows that there are specific genetic variants that influence a range of
childhood and adult-onset psychiatric disorders that we think of as clinically
different," said lead researcher Dr. Jordan Smoller, a professor of
psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
Looking for these genes in an
individual now would not be considered a diagnostic tool. However, according to Dr. Smoller, "It
could change the way we define and diagnose these disorders, based on the
biological causes. Some of the disorders we think of as clinically distinct
actually have more of a relationship than we might have thought."
As more gene studies are conducted
and analyzed, scientists will "be in a better place to identify shared
cause of psychiatric disorders at a molecular level," Dr. Smoller said.
"Ultimately, this could generate new models for drug interventions and
possibly even prevention."
We here at the Fairfax Elder Law Firm of Evan H.
Farr, P.C. are glad to share this important research and hope that
these findings contribute to more treatment and prevention options for these
disorders in the future. Do you or a
family member have special needs? Be
confident that your legal planning provides the protections you and your loved
ones need. Click
here
to read about Special Needs Planning at the Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. Please call us at 703-691-1888 to make an
appointment for a free consultation.
P.S.
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