2. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and its causal relationship with the SNAP 25 gene. By Jackie Taylor ADHD- What is the cause

3. Statement of the Problem Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition found in childhood that can persist into adolescence and adulthood. Today, around 11% of our children have ADHD and that number is growing (CDC, n.d.). ADHD symptoms can include but not limited to: hyperactive behavior, difficulty controlling impulses, difficulty concentrating, and trouble with peer relationships. ADHD can have serious impacts on a child’s emotional and physical wellbeing. Most often these symptoms are present as young as an infant but not diagnosed until they are school age (What is ADHD, n.d.). If a particular cause can be nailed down then a diagnosis can be made much earlier and intervention programs can be formed.

4. Purpose The purpose of this meta-analysis is to take a closer look at the different studies on familial causes for ADHD, specifically genomes. The studies out there have found come conflicting results in terms of the SNAP 25 gene and this would be a good way to look for a trend. If a specific gene can be identified this creates an opportunity for earlier diagnosis and intervention.

5. Studies have shown that children who are diagnosed early in their youth with ADHD learn to cope more effectively with the symptoms (Voeller, 2004). When there is a way to clinically diagnose a young child with ADHD other than a rating scale individualized programs can be created to help today’s youth cope with this issue. ADHD is here to stay no matter what the cause is and it is prudent for us to start looking into the exact cause in order to move forward Significance

6. Research Questions and/or Hypothesis Question- Is the SNAP 25 gene mutation a cause of ADHD. Hypothesis- The SNAP 25 gene plays a role in ADHD. If the exact gene can be found then specific laboratory tests can be created in order to diagnose earlier in life. The other possibility is that there is another gene responsible for the cause of ADHD.

7. Research Methodology I will apply a meta-analysis design to explore the possible relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and the Synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP 25) gene. The meta-analysis tool will aid me in addressing my research question on the relationship between ADHD and the SNAP 25 gene. This design type will help clarify the relationship whether there is a correlation or not.

8. Center for Disease Control, ADHD. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html Voeller, K. S. (2004). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Journal Of Child Neurology, 19(10), 798-814. What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? (n.d.).Retrieved from: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention- deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/index.shtml?rf=71264 References