Psych prof studies causes of ADHD

Research focuses on brain chemistry, genetics of disorder

April 2, 2007 —

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a commonly diagnosed condition that causes an individual to experience problems focusing. SVSU psychology professor Sandra Nagel is currently conducting research that has the potential to help in the treatment of the disorder.

"Right now ADHD is primarily diagnosed with behavioral rating scales. Many times, those are filled out by teachers and parents," says Nagel. "As a result, there are many misdiagnoses. One of the reasons for doing this is to be able to come up with a way of diagnosing and distinguishing conditions that necessitate the use of medication by using measurements that are closer to real brain chemistry."

The goal of her research is to find a way to point out different types of ADHD, to better diagnose and treat those who have the condition.

"It's a neuro-chemical diagnosis, that is what some very strong current research tells us. It is a genetically based condition, and the molecular genetic data tells us that there are a range of different sub-types of ADHD," says Nagel. "We are testing several hypotheses about sub-groups of people who have ADHD, that could be distinguished in different ways, that could be based on different neuro chemical results."

The study targets people aged from 18 to 45. It involves several different steps and asks its participants to go through a series of tests to determine some basic skills.

"The study includes two different sessions. It involves a number of questionnaires and surveys, verbal and non-verbal ability tests, and a psychological interview, which takes about two hours, done here on campus," says Nagel. "The second, more experimental session, involves a computerized attention test, which basically asks the applicants to respond to a letter as quickly as possible."

This type of study is something that Nagel has always been interested in. On top of writing her PhD dissertation on the brain structures and processes that control our ability to pay attention, Nagel says she also has a personal investment in the condition.

"This is one of my main areas of expertise, looking at the executive functions that are affected by ADHD. Also, in my family we have some of the genetics that are related to these symptoms, so it is also a personal area of interest."

Nagel is also receiving help with her research. Meaghan Carpenter, a psychology and biology double major, is working closely with Nagel on her research, and says that she too takes a personal interest in the research.

"I was drawn to the ADHD study for a couple different reasons. Firstly, I'm very passionate about this disorder because it's so often misdiagnosed and it's very clear that a better method of diagnosis is needed," Carpenter says. "Also, both of my younger cousins and my younger brother were diagnosed with the disorder, and they were all put on stimulant medications, only to be taken off it later. So I have personal ties with the disorder."

The research has been ongoing for three years, and both Nagel and Carpenter hope that once more data comes in, there will be some interdepartmental work done.

"I'm actually hoping, now that we are moving forward in the research, that this will lead to some interdisciplinary work. I'm hoping that some of the biologists on campus, if they are interested, get involved with some of the nero-chemical and genetic aspects of the phenomenon." says Nagel.

Carpenter agreed.

"I would love to see a more biologically-based method of diagnosing ADHD become part of common psychological/medical practice. As Dr. Nagel says, it's pretty ironic that today's method of diagnosing the disorder doesn't involve biological measures of any sort, even though it's a widely accepted fact that the disorder is biologically-based. This would alleviate the number of children being misdiagnosed," says Carpenter.

Nagel is excited with the way her research is going, and is happy that this area of study is as well recognized as it is.

"In the arena of child psychology, this is considered the most important clinical topic right now, so I thought, 'well, this is a good direction to take in my work at SVSU.'"