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Key Points

A groundbreaking study by King's College London analyzed 21,792 identical twins to uncover genetic factors influencing ADHD, autism, and anxiety. Researchers found that genes affecting neurodevelopment and stress response shape how people react to their environment. The study highlights why individuals experience mental health conditions differently despite similar circumstances. These findings could lead to more personalized approaches in treating psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Key Points: Twin Study Reveals Genetic Links to ADHD Autism and Anxiety

  • Genes linked to growth factors influence autistic traits
  • Stress-related genes tied to depression symptoms
  • Identical twin study reveals environmental sensitivity variations
  • Catecholamine-regulating genes affect psychotic-like experiences
2 min read

Study finds how genetic factors influence ADHD symptoms, autistic traits, anxiety

King's College London research uncovers how genetic sensitivity shapes ADHD, autism, and anxiety symptoms in identical twins.

"Differences in individuals' sensitivity to life experiences can explain why the same experiences may have varying mental health effects. – Dr. Elham Assary"

New Delhi, June 10

Researchers have identified genetic factors that trigger symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and anxiety.

The international study led by King's College London, UK, examined how individuals' varying sensitivity to environmental factors can influence levels of ADHD symptoms, autistic traits, anxiety and depression symptoms, psychotic experiences and neuroticism.

Researchers from 23 universities around the world combined data from up to 21,792 identical twins (10,896 pairs) from 11 studies to discover genetic variants linked with environmental sensitivity. This is the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS) of identical twins to date.

They identified several genetic factors that were linked with differences in environmental sensitivity within identical twin pairs. The interaction between these genetic factors and environmental exposures could explain differences in susceptibility to psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions, said the researchers in the paper, published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.

"Differences in individuals' sensitivity to life experiences can explain why the same negative or positive experiences may have varying effects on people's mental health, depending on their genetic makeup. Our findings suggest that specific genetic variants influence how environmental exposures impact psychiatric and neurodevelopmental symptoms," said Dr Elham Assary, Postdoctoral Researcher at King's.

Among the genetically identical twins, the researchers found that genes linked with growth factors -- biological molecules that play important roles in neurodevelopment, immune function, and the central nervous system -- were associated with variation in autistic traits.

Genes related to reactivity to stress were linked to variation in depression symptoms. Genes involved in regulating catecholamines -- a group of hormones involved in response to stress -- were linked to variation in psychotic-like experiences, the team said.

"These findings confirm that genes influence psychiatric and neurodevelopmental traits partly through affecting how people respond to the world around them. Some people are more sensitive to their circumstances, and this can be positive in good circumstances but can make life more challenging than for others in stressful circumstances," said Professor Thalia Eley, Professor of Developmental Behavioural Genetics at King's.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya K.
This is fascinating research! As a parent of a child with ADHD, it helps me understand why some therapies work better than others. Maybe now we can develop more personalized treatments 🤞 The Indian education system needs to incorporate these findings to better support neurodiverse children.
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Rahul S.
Interesting study but we need more research focused on Indian populations. Our genetic makeup and environmental factors are different from Western countries. Hope AIIMS or some Indian institutes take this forward with local data.
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Ananya M.
Finally some scientific validation for what many of us experience! I've always felt more sensitive to stress than my siblings. This research explains why the same childhood affected us differently. More awareness is needed in India about mental health conditions.
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Vikram J.
Good research but we must be careful not to over-simplify. In India, we still label many neurodivergent kids as "problem children" or "slow learners". Genetics is just one part - our societal attitudes need to change too. Teachers need proper training!
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Sunita R.
As a special educator in Mumbai, I see firsthand how environment affects these conditions. The study's findings about growth factors and neurodevelopment are particularly relevant. We need more funding for research and support systems in India 🇮🇳
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Arjun P.
While this is promising, I worry about misuse of such information. In India, we already have stigma around mental health. We must ensure genetic findings don't lead to more discrimination in marriage or jobs. Science should help, not label people.

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