Genetic and environmental background of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders. This article aims to identify the risk factors for ADHD, with a particular focus on its genetic basis. The complex etiology of ADHD results from the interplay of both environmental and genetic factors, making it challenging to pinpoint specific determinants contributing to the disorder’s phenotype. Among the most significant genetic risk factors are genes regulating the dopaminergic and serotoninergic pathways. Genetic factors involved in various biological processes, such as neuronal transmission, neural cell migration, and neurotransmitter energy metabolism, also warrant attention. Despite advancements in ADHD research, understanding the pathomechanism of this disorder remains a significant challenge for medical professionals and researchers. The limited knowledge of the biological foundations of ADHD hampers the recognition of risk variants for this disorder. Therefore, further research is necessary to identify at-risk groups and develop more effective diagnostic tests and therapeutic methods in the future.