Are adolescents with ADHD interested in genetic testing for nicotine addiction susceptibility?

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2010 Apr;7(4):1694-707. doi: 10.3390/ijerph7041694. Epub 2010 Apr 14.

Abstract

It has been well-established that some adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk for cigarette smoking. Current research on the genetic basis of this association could ultimately translate into genetic tests capable of identifying smoking-prone adolescents with ADHD. In this study we examined 81 ADHD affected adolescents' (age 13-21) interest in genetic testing for nicotine addiction susceptibility. Fifty-seven percent of adolescents indicated a fair amount of interest or more in testing. Most adolescents indicated that the personal information revealed from testing would be either useful (29%) or interesting (37%). Implications for genetically-informed smoking prevention and cessation interventions in high risk adolescents with ADHD are discussed.

Keywords: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); genetic testing; nicotine addiction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / complications
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / genetics*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genetic Testing*
  • Humans
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / complications*