Is ADHD Genetic? Know about the Risky Genetic Factors

Current studies on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder show genetics play a significant role in determining what causes this disorder. The exact cause of this disorder is not fully understood. There are many different factors thought to be responsible, so is ADHD genetic, is a tough conclusion to find.

Family studies show there are higher risks of developing ADHD if others in the family suffer from the disorder. What it also shows is it is less likely for the genetics of ADHD to affect a family member than genetics for schizophrenia but it is more likely than genetics for rheumatoid arthritis.

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Is ADHD Hereditary?

Many ask the question; Does ADHD run in families? The answer would be, ADHD does tend to run in families, and it is thought ADHD genetics can be inherited from your parents. Studies have shown if a child is diagnosed with ADHD, it will more than likely lead to a parent or other siblings having the same disorder. However, how ADHD is inherited is not related to a single genetic fault.

There are certain risk factors for ADHD that make some more likely to develop the disorder:

• People with epilepsy
• Those who were born before the 37th week of pregnancy
• Those born at a low birth weight
• Those born with brain damage from inside the womb
• Those suffering a severe head injury

Is ADHD Genetic or Environmental?

While it has been said genetics play a significant role in ADHD, there are environmental factors that can contribute as well. Some of the environmental factors include:

• Mothers smoking while pregnant
• Alcohol exposure during pregnancy
• Mothers smoking while breastfeeding
• Lead exposure

Is Missing DNA Cause ADHD?

Scientists have recognized the strong role genetics play in ADHD development. This recognition comes from understanding genes. A British study performed in 2010, identified small pieces of DNA that were either missing or were duplicated in children’s brains with ADHD. Affected gene segments much like those seen are also linked to schizophrenia and autism.

ADHD and Thinner Brain Tissue

Another study conducted on ADHD showed children with this disorder have thinner brain tissue in certain areas of their brain. The study did, however, find that with children, the tissue developed to normal levels as they age. As the tissues thickened, the symptoms of ADHD became less severe.

The Neurodevelopment Nature of ADHD

The neurodevelopment nature of ADHD has been challenged in the past. However, the study found that most adults with ADHD did suffer from the disorder as a child. Childhood ADHD is also shown to be associated with comorbid disorders, neurocognitive deficits, and polygenic risk.

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Genes and ADHD

Several studies have been conducted to locate a possible genetic association with ADHD focusing on particular genes. In studying individual genes, a pattern emerged for preferential paternal transmission of risk to affected children with ADHD. Paternal versus maternal transmission was studied, and the paternal transmission was 2, where the maternal transmission was 1.3.

Genetic Overlap between ADHD & Other Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Those who suffer from ADHD often have co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Some of these disorders include:

• Autism
• Oppositional defiant
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Sleep disorder
• Antisocial behaviors
• Learning disabilities
• Personality disorders

Another disorder that is closely associated with ADHD is bipolar disorder. The symptoms of impulsivity, inattention, moodiness, excessive talking, hyperactivity, and sleep issues in both disorders mirror each other. The closeness of symptoms often makes it hard to diagnose which condition a person is experiencing.