Family-Genetic Study of Executive Functioning in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Evidence for an Endophenotype?

D.I.E. Slaats-Willemse, H.J.T. Swaab-Barneveld, L.M.J. de Sonneville, J.K. Buitelaar

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This study examined familiality of attentional control and mental flexibility in multiplex attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) families. The authors hypothesized that siblings of ADHD probands, although not behaviorally expressing ADHD, have deficits in these executive functions and that the performance of probands, unaffected siblings, and control participants are on a continuum. Participants (aged 6 to 17) were 25 ADHD probands with a family history of ADHD, their 25 unaffected siblings, and 48 control participants. The unaffected siblings did not differ from the ADHD probands on attentional control or on some measures of mental flexibility. Linear changes in performance across the groups reflected an intermediate position of the unaffected siblings between the probands and control participants. These results suggest that these executive functions may be suitable endophenotypes of ADHD. © 2007 American Psychological Association.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)751-760
JournalNeuropsychology
Volume21
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2007
Externally publishedYes

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