'genetics of Attention and Executive Functioning', by Tinca Polderman

The thesis ‘Genetics of Attention and Executive Functioning’ examined the genetic architecture of attention problems, attention, executive functioning, and intelligence (IQ). In addition, the (longitudinal) genetic relation among attention problems, executive functioning and IQ were investigated. Data were collected twice in a sample of twin children registered at the Netherlands Twin Registry (NTR): when they were 5 years old, and seven years later, when they were 12 years old. In this last chapter the results as presented in this thesis and other publications that have resulted from this project will be summarized and discussed. First the genetic architecture of attention problems as assessed by different instruments and by different raters at ages 5 and 12 years is summarized. Next, an overview of the genetic studies on executive functioning and IQ, and their relation to attention problems is presented. Finally, the results of this thesis are discussed and put into the perspective of future directions for research into attention and attention problems.