Is ADHD Genetic?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can affect your child’s home and school life and make things more difficult for him or her. It’s a very common brain disorder, but there’s still a lot that’s not completely understood about what causes it.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a biological brain disorder that can affect children and teens and continue into adulthood. Scans show several differences between the brains of people who have ADHD and those who don’t.

Is ADHD genetic?

ADHD is a complex disorder, so it’s difficult to pinpoint a specific cause. However, studies have found links between certain genes linked to the neurotransmitter dopamine and the tendency to develop ADHD.

In addition, scientists believe that ADHD may be more common in some families. In fact, a child with ADHD is four times more likely to have a relative with the same disorder. And further evidence of a genetic component exists because most identical twins share the ADHD trait.

What are some warning signs that your child may have ADHD?

The following are some signs that your child may have ADHD:

• Has difficulty paying attention
• Makes careless mistakes
• Doesn’t follow directions
• Doesn’t finish tasks
• Forgets about daily activities
• Has difficulty with organization
• Frequently loses things
• Dislikes sitting still and tends to squirm or fidget when doing so
• Tends to daydream
• Has trouble playing quietly
• Is always moving or on the go
• Talks excessively
• Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
• Frequently interrupts others

What else can be linked to ADHD?

Research suggests that exposure to toxic chemicals may contribute to ADHD. Since these chemicals are present in so many products that we’re exposed to daily – such as flooring, foods, and personal care products – infants and children are frequently exposed to them at a time when their brains are still developing.  Researchers believe this can disrupt brain development and sometimes lead to ADHD.

What can ADHD commonly be confused with?

ADHD may often be misdiagnosed as one of the following, which can cause similar symptoms or which can exist along with ADHD:

• Learning disabilities
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Tourette’s disorder
• Sleep issues such as sleep apnea

If your child is exhibiting symptoms of ADHD, make an appointment today with an evaluation at one of Complete Neurological Care’s NYC or NJ locations. Our board-certified neurologists can discuss your child’s medical history and symptoms and conduct any scans necessary to diagnose or rule out ADHD. This is the first step toward getting your child help to manage this brain disorder.