TS RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

The Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit (PNGU) seeks to achieve a better understanding of the origins of disorders such as Tourette syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), with the hope that a better understanding of these conditions will also lead to advances in their treatment. Current projects include identifying genetic contributions to TS, ADHD and OCD. Dr. David Pauls, the director of the PNGU and a behavioral geneticist, has for the last 30 years focused his research primarily on neurodevelopmental disorders such as TS, ADHD, and OCD. The PNGU is a part of the Center for Human Genetic Research at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA, and is staffed by researchers representing a variety of disciplines and with affiliations to the Harvard Medical School and Whitehead Institute.

The PNGU team is planning to come to the Houston area in March, 2008 to have study visits with interested families on the following studies:

1. Genetic Linkage Study of TS: This National Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA)-sponsored study aims to identify the genes responsible for TS. Conducted with the collaboration of an international consortium of researchers, this study will clarify the role of genes in the occurrence of TS within families. This study seeks families with one TS-affected individual over the age of six and both of their biological parents.

2. Family Genetic Study of TS, ADHD and OCD: This project explores the familial relationship among TS, ADHD, and OCD, and will specifically examine the shared behavioral components of these three conditions. We expect that this research will further our understanding of how these disorders are expressed, and will promote the identification of susceptibility genes. This study includes children six years of age and older who have been diagnosed with TS, ADHD and/or OCD, both of their parents and any siblings over the age of six.

Individuals who are interested in learning more about these studies are invited to call 1-800-471-2730, or email the project director, Dr. Cornelia Illmann, at cillmann@partners.org. Further information can also be obtained by visiting their website: www.ts-adhd-ocd.org. Click here for the PNGU brochure.

Return to prior page