Intratask Variability As a Correlate for DRD4 and SLC6A3 Variants: A Pilot Study in ADHD

Abstract

Behavioral variability may be an ADHD key feature. Currently used ex-Gaussian/Fast Fourier Transform analyses characterize general distribution and oscillatory/rhythmic components of performance but are unable to demonstrate slow cumulative changes over entire tasks. Objective: To explore how performance of ADHD children and unaffected sibs gradually evolves in relation to genetic variants linked to ADHD. Method: A total of 40 kids (20 ADHD-discordant sib pairs) between 8 and 13 years resolved a visual Go/NoGo with 10% NoGo probability. Variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) at DRD4 and SLC6A3 were identified following standard protocols. Performance changes were assessed by linear/logistic mixed-effect models. Results: Models exploring SLC6A3 effects demonstrated less accentuated increments of response time (RT) (p = .046) and cumulative increments in the correct responses to NoGo (p = .00027) in 10R/10R participants. Models for DRD4 showed faster decline of correct responses to Go (p = .0078) in 2R/7R carriers. Conclusion: Dynamical analysis of attention/inhibition measures may unravel new correlates to DRD4 and SLC6A3 variants.