A new study published by Molecular Psychiatry has uncovered important findings about the genetics of ADHD and dyslexia. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh conducted a study on genes underlying common psychiatric conditions.
The study found that dyslexia and ADHD share 174 genes and 49 genetic regions. This helps explain the comorbidity of the two learning differences: between 25% - 40% of people with ADHD also have dyslexia. In fact, on a genetic level, ADHD was found to have more in common with dyslexia than with other psychiatric conditions.
There is also strong heritability for the two conditions: twin studies have revealed 60% - 70% heritability for dyslexia, and 77% - 88% heritability for ADHD.
This research is monumental, as no prior study has ever been able to identify this many genes common to people with dyslexia and ADHD.
The study found that dyslexia and ADHD share 174 genes and 49 genetic regions. This helps explain the comorbidity of the two learning differences: between 25% - 40% of people with ADHD also have dyslexia. In fact, on a genetic level, ADHD was found to have more in common with dyslexia than with other psychiatric conditions.
There is also strong heritability for the two conditions: twin studies have revealed 60% - 70% heritability for dyslexia, and 77% - 88% heritability for ADHD.
This research is monumental, as no prior study has ever been able to identify this many genes common to people with dyslexia and ADHD.
