Is ADHD genetic? Everything you need to know

Pregnancy
“Is ADHD genetic?” is a highly nuanced question that it is not possible to answer with a simple “yes” or “no.”

There is an increased risk of ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, in those who have a parent or sibling with the condition, but doctors know that other factors also play a role.

ADHD can affect attention, behavior, and learning. Although doctors tend to diagnose ADHD during childhood, the symptoms may continue into adolescence and adulthood.

According to statistics from 2016, about 9.4% of all children 2–17 years of age in the United States had received an ADHD diagnosis.

In this article, learn about the role of genetics in ADHD, as well as other causes and risk factors.

Is ADHD genetic?

Experts do not fully understand the exact cause of ADHD. However, they believe inherited genes to be a significant factor in the development of the condition.

Genetic studies are just starting to link specific genes to ADHD. Findings from various twin, family, and adoption studies support the idea that ADHD has a hereditary component.

Genetic risk factors

Father and son cooking.
Ongoing research is suggesting that inherited genetics may play a role in the development of ADHD.

Genetic risk is the contribution of genes to the likelihood of developing a disease or condition.

In 2018, a global team of researchers conducted a genetic study of ADHD and published their findings in Nature Genetics.

For the first time, the team discovered genetic variants that accounted for approximately 22% of the risk of ADHD.

Some of the genetic variants affected communication between brain cells, while others influenced cognitive functions, such as language and learning.

Parents with ADHD

The authors of a 2016 study discovered that almost half of parents of children with ADHD also had ADHD.

Close to 41% of mothers and 51% of fathers of children with ADHD received a diagnosis of this disorder.

Twins with ADHD

Studies on identical and fraternal twins help researchers identify whether it is genetic factors or the children’s environment that influences a specific trait.

If identical twins are more similar in a particular trait than fraternal twins, genes may significantly influence that trait.

However, if identical and fraternal twins share a trait equally, this is likely to mean that their environment is more influential than genetic factors.

The researchers behind twin studies have estimated the heritability of ADHD to be between 60% and 80%.

Siblings with ADHD

The authors of a 2019 study found that the younger siblings of children with ADHD were more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis.

Among later-born siblings, the chances of receiving an ADHD diagnosis were roughly 13 times higher in those who had older siblings with ADHD than those who had older siblings without ADHD.

DNA variations

Further research looked at whether variations within DNA, such as duplications or deletions, were more common in individuals with ADHD.

The researchers found that significant variations in DNA were present in 14% of the children with ADHD compared with 7% of the children without ADHD.


Causes

A woman struggling to concentrate on a book.
Causes of ADHD under review by researchers include premature delivery, low birth weight, and childhood exposure to lead.

Researchers are continuing to study the causes of ADHD and its risk factors. Research suggests that a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors may contribute to ADHD.

Causes and risk factors currently under review include:

  • genes
  • premature delivery
  • low birth weight
  • brain injury
  • exposure to toxins during gestation
  • childhood exposure to lead
  • cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy

Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD can vary among individuals. Often, people with ADHD show patterns of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with development and functioning.

Inattention

Symptoms of inattention may include:

  • making careless mistakes or overlooking details
  • having difficulty maintaining attention during tasks and play
  • not listening when a person speaks to them directly
  • not following through on instructions or quickly losing focus
  • having trouble organizing tasks and activities
  • avoiding tasks that require prolonged mental effort
  • misplacing the items necessary to complete tasks
  • becoming distracted easily by unrelated stimuli and thoughts
  • being forgetful in keeping appointments and when doing daily chores and activities

Hyperactivity-impulsivity

Symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity include:

  • fidgeting or squirming while sitting
  • walking away when the expectation is to stay seated
  • running and climbing at inappropriate times
  • being unable to take part in activities quietly
  • being constantly in motion
  • talking nonstop
  • blurting out answers before the person completes the question
  • having trouble taking turns
  • interrupting or intruding on others

ADHD symptoms tend to change over time and with age. The symptoms can emerge as early as 3 years of age and continue throughout adolescence and adulthood.


When to see a doctor

A man undertaking psychotherapy.
People with ADHD may be able to manage their symptoms through medications or psychotherapy.

It is normal for people to have some degree of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, for individuals with ADHD, these behaviors happen more often, are more severe, and interfere with functioning and social abilities.

A doctor can use specific guidelines to diagnose people with ADHD and ensure that they receive proper treatment.

There is presently no cure for ADHD, but medications, psychotherapy, and education are available to help people manage the symptoms.


Summary

Although genetics play a role in ADHD, it is likely that a combination of factors contributes to the disorder.

People who have other family members with ADHD have a higher chance of having ADHD than those in families without ADHD.

Genetic and family studies are ongoing to find out more information about specific genes that have an association with ADHD and the inheritability of this condition.

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