Is ADHD Hereditary?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a set of symptoms that indicate unique function in the frontal lobe which is responsible for executive functions such as organization of thought, processing thought sequenced events and planning.  It can present as difficulty with attentiveness, hyperactivity or impulsivity, due to frontal lobe challenges.  For example, in younger boys it can look like difficulty sitting still, excessive interruptions and low impulse control. However, in younger girls it may present more as daydreaming and fidgeting. Of course, there are mixes of both depending on the person. If you have ADHD, you may be curious if you got it from your parents, or if your (future) kids will get it from you. Let’s get into the big question: 

Is ADHD hereditary? 

Studies surrounding neurodevelopmental disorders are difficult to conduct, as both genetics, the  environment and a combination of the two (epigenetics) can influence the likelihood of developing a psychiatric disorder. However, twin and adoption studies offer a way to evaluate genetic and environmental factors without one confounding the other. 

So What Do the Studies Say?

Interestingly, researchers have found ADHD to be a heritable condition, even when accounting for environmental influences (Sharp et al., 2009).  If you have ADHD, there’s approximately a 35% chance that your child will also have it. (Uchida, 2022).

ADHD also tends to have comorbidity with autism, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Meaning, those with ADHD are more likely to have one (or more) of the above disorders, though this is not guaranteed. 

What Else Causes It?

It’s hard to point to direct causes of ADHD. However, other factors are associated with increased risk.

Any birth-related conditions that affect brain development can heighten the risk of developing ADHD, along with many other disorders. This can include premature birth, lack of natal nutrients and hypoxia (low oxygen levels) (Nunez-Jaramillo, 2021). ADHD is associated with smaller brain regions and decreased connection between key areas, so it makes sense that brain development would have an impact. 

Unlike many psychological disorders, ADHD is hardly influenced by environment and parenting style. It is not due to “lack of discipline” or a child who “just won’t listen.” It is caused by genetic and biological differences that affect behaviour. 

How’s it Treated?

If you or your child is looking for an ADHD diagnosis or is struggling with ADHD, reach out to our clinic here for a free consultation.

 

References

Grimm, O., Kranz, T. M., & Reif, A. (2020). Genetics of ADHD: What Should the Clinician Know? Current Psychiatry Reports, 22(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-020-1141-x

Núñez-Jaramillo, L., Herrera-Solís, A., & Herrera-Morales, W. V. (2021). ADHD: Reviewing the Causes and Evaluating Solutions. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 11(3), 166. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11030166

Sharp, S. I., McQuillin, A., & Gurling, H. M. D. (2009). Genetics of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neuropharmacology, 57(7-8), 590–600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2009.08.011

Uchida, M., DiSalvo, M., Walsh, D., & Biederman, J. (2022). The Heritability of ADHD in Children of ADHD Parents: A Post-hoc Analysis of Longitudinal Data. Journal of Attention Disorders, 27(3), 108705472211362. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547221136251