Research in mental health and addiction is complex. To do research in two disorders, ADHD and Substance Use Disorders (SUD), is even more complicated. Discussing the advantages and disadvantages of genetic research related to SUD and ADHD is therefore a challenge. David Hay, an expert on twin studies, mentioned that genetics are heavily affected by what is said to be important at present. And what seems to be important at present can change very quickly.
Not long ago the novelty was the Candidate Gene Approach. Everybody talked about SNP’s (snips). Allthough this approach is not outdated yet, you now must do a Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) to compete with other grant proposals. Genetics, it isn’t my cup of tea. Being a former mental health nurse, I am more interested in methods for diagnoses and treatment. And in methods for prevention of SUD development in ADHD children. I am looking for studies that really have positive impact on the lives of patients, their families and society.
And here I find myself in New York, discussing prevalence and genetic studies. Hard science, and far away from clinical interesting results. Yet, I do realize these studies are necessary in order to understand the relationship between these disorders. Today we discussed the participation of American researchers in the Prevalence and genetics study. In America funding programs seem to be less interested in prevalence studies related to ADHD and Substance Abuse. Funding programs seem to believe we already know enough about this relation between ADHD and Substance Abuse.
Tomorrow we will discuss the different issues related to the genetic research proposal. I hope it will be possible to add an American sample to the samples we will gather in Europe and Australia. I am very much interested in similarities and differences of the Prevalence of ADHD in SUD patients, and in the course and development of SUD in patients with and without ADHD. So perhaps, via the route of the genetic study, we will be able to compare American figures with European and Australian figures. By doing so we will be able to see if ADHD in SUD patients does exist, or like many people think, turns out to be an American hype. The only way to find out is: sound research.
As usual, looking forward to receive your ideas and comments!
