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Developmental Timing of Exposure to Elevated Levels of Phenylalanine Is Associated with ADHD Symptom Expression

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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.

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  1. Division of Psychology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Children's Hospital—Boston, Longwood Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts

    Kevin M. Antshel & Susan E. Waisbren

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Antshel, K.M., Waisbren, S.E. Developmental Timing of Exposure to Elevated Levels of Phenylalanine Is Associated with ADHD Symptom Expression. J Abnorm Child Psychol 31, 565–574 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026239921561

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