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Can GWAS help find biomarkers for ADHD treatment outcomes? 

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Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, ADHD GWAS biomarkers are a promising direction in understanding how genetic variants might help predict treatment response, side effects, and ultimately enable more personalised medicine. While the field is not yet at the point of having clinically validated biomarkers for everyday use, recent studies suggest there is enough signal to take this seriously. 

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What recent research shows 

Here is a summary of recent research on ADHD: 

Integrative multi‑omics work

 New analyses combining ADHD GWAS data with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) datasets from fetal brain tissue and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‑derived neurons have identified genes like LSM6 and RPS26 as associated with ADHD. These findings highlight early developmental expression as possibly relevant.  

Protein biomarkers

Some recent Mendelian Randomization and Bayesian colocalisation studies have identified key proteins (including those present in cerebrospinal fluid, plasma, or brain tissue) that have causal connections to ADHD. These could be potential therapeutic targets or outcome predictors. 

Treatment biomarker reviews

 A review of treatment biomarkers for ADHD noted that pre‑treatment profiles including genetic polymorphisms (common variations), copy number variants (CNVs), EEG/neurophysiological signals, and brain imaging measures are being investigated as predictors of response to various medications or behavioural interventions. However, the review emphasises that most findings remain preliminary.  

Key Challenges in Translating Biomarkers from GWAS 

  • Many associated SNPs/loci lie in non‑coding regions, so the mechanism by which they affect treatment response isn’t always clear. Without knowing how the variant influences gene expression or protein function, it’s hard to use it as a reliable biomarker.  
  • Small sample sizes and homogeneous populations (often European ancestry) undercut generalisability. Biomarkers that work in one group may fail in others. The review of treatment biomarkers stresses the need for replication and external validation in more diverse cohorts.  
  • Many studies are cross‑sectional or short‑term; long‑term follow‑up is rare. Predicting sustained treatment effects or side effects over months or years is more clinically useful but harder to study.  

What is promising and what may become useful 

Here are some of the types of biomarkers emerging from ADHD GWAS and related studies that seem most likely to be useful soon: 

  • Genetic polymorphisms or aggregate risk scores (PRS) that might predict who responds better to stimulant vs non‑stimulant treatments. 
  • CNVs or rare variants that might indicate a higher risk of side effects or needing different dosing. 
  • Proteins measurable in blood or CSF whose levels correlate with treatment effect. 
  • Neurophysiological signatures (like EEG patterns) that, when combined with genetic data, improve prediction beyond clinical assessment alone. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations informed by the latest ADHD biomarker research.

 For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Genetic studies and biomarkers.

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Victoria Rowe, MSc
Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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