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Examining the interrelationships between chemical/non-chemical stressors and inherent characteristics in children with ADHD
Citation:
Nilsen, F. AND N. Tulve. Examining the interrelationships between chemical/non-chemical stressors and inherent characteristics in children with ADHD. 2019 SETAC Europe Annual Meeting, Helsinki, FINLAND, May 26 - 30, 2019.
Impact/Purpose:
This work investigated the relationship between chemical and non-chemical stressors, as well as genetic predisposition in children diagnosed with ADHD through systematic review and meta-analysis. We observe that chemical exposures, non-chemical stressors, and inherent characteristics influence ADHD individually, and synergistically. The existing data highlights the need for interdisciplinary studies examining more than one type of stressor, as well as in depth analysis of individual stressors to better understand the complex interactions described in the literature. This work will aid future studies related to children's mental health through the research gaps identified and the recommendations made to further examine this complex issue.
Description:
Children may be more vulnerable to the combined interactions of chemical and non-chemical stressors from their built, natural, and social environments when compared to adults. Up to 20% of children are diagnosed with a mental illness annually in the United States with a large number not receiving adequate treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 11% of children have ADHD. ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention, with the neurotransmitter serotonin regulating these symptoms. Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) aids in serotonin uptake and has two genotypes that affect its enzymatic activity (low: L; high: H). MAOA-L carriers are more frequently diagnosed with behavior and emotional disorders, including ADHD. When children are exposed to cigarette smoke, bisphenol A (BPA), or organophosphate pesticides, MAOA activity is inhibited. Non-chemical stressors, such as traumatic childhood experiences, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors, complicate the relationship between genotype and chemical exposures. But, the co-occurrence among outcomes between chemical exposures, genotype, and non-chemical stressors with MAOA-L suggest that mental illness in children may be caused by multiple interacting factors. This project aims to elucidate the links between chemical and non-chemical stressors and inherent characteristics on children's mental health outcomes using a systematic review and meta-analysis to align results within our multifactorial conceptual framework. Preliminary results show that prenatal and childhood exposures to recreational drugs, lead, organic contaminants, and phthalates are associated with greater odds of being diagnosed with ADHD. MAOA genotype and early childhood experiences also influence mental health outcomes associated with ADHD. An improved understanding of inherent vulnerability and the onset of mental illness may provide better intervention and treatment options to children in need.
