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- Title
Developmental timing of exposure to elevated levels of phenylalanine is associated with ADHD symptom expression.
- Authors
Antshel, Kevin M; Waisbren, Susan E
- Abstract
This study addresses attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with a focus on how the timing of a known biological insult affects ADHD symptom expression. The sample consists of children exposed to elevated levels of phenylalanine, either postnatally as in Phenylketonuria (PKU; n = 46) or prenatally as in Maternal PKU (MPKU; n = 15). Non-hyperphenylalaninemic siblings of children with PKU (n = 18) serve as controls. Results indicate that elevated levels of phenylalanine are associated with ADHD symptoms. The manifestations of the symptom expression are dependent on exposure timing: prenatal exposure is associated with a higher likelihood of expressing hyperactive/impulsive symptoms and postnatal exposure is associated with a higher likelihood of expressing inattentive symptoms. This toxicity is dose-dependent and higher levels of phenylalanine appear more detrimental.
- Publication
Journal of abnormal child psychology, 2003, Vol 31, Issue 6, p565
- ISSN
0091-0627
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1023/a:1026239921561