Is ADHD Hereditary?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsResearch Says ADHD Is HereditaryBe ObservantBe Aware of DifferencesBe a Role ModelDitch the GuiltBe PositiveFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Research Says ADHD Is Hereditary

Be Observant

Be Aware of Differences

Be a Role Model

Ditch the Guilt

Be Positive

Frequently Asked Questions

ADHD is hereditary, at least in part. So if you have ADHD, your children will have a greater risk of also having attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Some research has found that the heritability of ADHD is around 80%. However, the exact genetic mechanisms are not yet fully understood.This doesn’t mean that your children are 100% guaranteed to have ADHD. Instead, it means they may have a higher chance of having this type of neurodivergence. Knowing this can help you be better prepared to help your child, accommodate their needs, and provide support.At a GlanceBecause ADHD is highly hereditary, there is a good chance that if you have ADHD, so will your kids. While there may be challenges when both kids and parents have ADHD, it is important to remember that it isn’t a condition that needs to be “cured.” Instead, it is a neurotype that represents a difference in how the brain works. You and your children may need certain accommodations to manage the challenges of living in a neurotypical society, but you can thrive with the right type of support.Research Says ADHD Is HereditaryWhether you have recently beendiagnosed with ADHDor have been living with ADHD for many years, a question almost all adults ask is: “Will my children have ADHD, too?“The answer to this question depends on several factors. The biggestcause of ADHDis genes,which means that ADHD does run in families. Even if no one in your extended family has officially been diagnosed with ADHD, you might notice family members with characteristics and traits that resemble ADHD.Despite this strong genetic link, if you have ADHD, it doesn’t automatically mean your child will, too. This is because it is a combination of genes and environmental factors that determine whether a child develops ADHD. They can inherit ADHD genes without them being activated.Research suggests that around 40% of children who are diagnosed with ADHD have at least one parent who also has symptoms of the condition.While you might feel powerless over your genes, there are still some things that you can do to help your child, including watching for early signs and acting as a role model. This article discusses proactive approaches you can take to help your child if they inherit ADHD.Be ObservantIf your child starts to display signs orADHD characteristics, seek professional help. Getting an early diagnosis and the appropriate treatment will be invaluable to your child; it will help minimize their struggles and aid their success. It is also important to tell your child’s pediatrician that there is a family history of ADHD.Be Aware of DifferencesIf your child does inherit ADHD, it might manifest in a very different way from your ADHD. For example, if you have hyperactive-impulsive ADHD and your child has inattentive ADHD, your behavior and challenges will be different even though you both have ADHD.Also, ADHD often looks different depending on the sex of your child.If your son has hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, they could be very physically active, while yourdaughtermight be hyper-talkative and verbally impulsive.Finally, even if you are of the same sex as your child and have the same ADHD presentations, you can still have different ADHD behaviors and challenges. However, knowing that these differences exist can increase your awareness and help you detect ADHD traits in your child early.RecapADHD is not the same for every person, so it is important to recognize that your child may be different and may face unique struggles.The Three ADHD Subtypes and How to Recognize ThemBe a Role ModelYour relationship with ADHD affects how your child deals with their diagnosis.Try to speak about it neutrally, rather than something that is “horrible” and that you wish you didn’t have.In addition, if you areactively treating and managing your ADHDsymptoms, then it will help your child do the same. If you learn and implementADHD-friendly life skillsand seek appropriate medical assistance, your child will too.Children like to fit in. If they are the only child at school with ADHD, it can make them feel isolated and lonely. Knowing that you have ADHD and are doing well gives them a morale boost and makes them feel less alone.Ditch the GuiltPeople with ADHD are experts at feeling guilt andshamefor all sorts of things, from constantly being late to forgetting important tasks at work. However, don’t feel guilty that your child has ADHD. Just like the color of their eyes, you have no control over which genes they inherited.Sharing this condition can also help your child feel closer to you. Because you can relate to their symptoms and struggles, they may feel a closer bond that they might not share with a parent who does not have ADHD.RecapIf your child does develop ADHD, don’t feel guilty. Remind yourself that you are able to understand what they are experiencing and that your child has importantstrengthsthat will help them cope.Be PositiveMore is known about ADHD than ever before. This means it is easier for ADHD to be detected, and the appropriate help is more readily available from the medical community and at school. In addition, your child has a supportive parent who understands their struggles.That doesn’t necessarily mean that your parents weren’t supportive. Each generation does its best with the knowledge and research that is available to them at that time.It’s also helpful toreframehow you view ADHD. For example, instead of framing the symptoms of the condition as “deficits,” try thinking of them as differences. When you look at ADHD like this, you realize your child’s brain might work differently than some people, yet different doesn’t need to be a bad thing.TakeawayADHD does have a strong genetic component, but that does not mean that your child will necessarily inherit the condition. In addition to the impact of environmental interactions, it is also important to remember that there are many treatment options available that can help your childeffectively copewith the condition if they do develop it.As someone who understands what it is like to live with the condition, you are uniquely positioned to help them. Be a positive force in your child’s life, remember to focus on their strengths, and watch for symptoms so that you can work with your child’s doctor to find the best possible treatment.Top ADHD Resources for AdultsFrequently Asked QuestionsThere is no question that more children are diagnosed with ADHD than they were in the past, but it is not easy to determine if this means that more kids have the condition or if more kids are being diagnosed. The way that children are diagnosed has changed over time, but it is also possible that children may have been exposed to environmental factors that might affect ADHD.Genetics has a significant role, but environmental variables also interact with genetics to cause the condition. Factors that are believed to play a role in causing ADHD include poor nutrition or substance use during pregnancy, exposure to environmental toxins, and certain illnesses such as meningitis. Traumatic brain injuries are also thought to be a risk factor.

This doesn’t mean that your children are 100% guaranteed to have ADHD. Instead, it means they may have a higher chance of having this type of neurodivergence. Knowing this can help you be better prepared to help your child, accommodate their needs, and provide support.

At a GlanceBecause ADHD is highly hereditary, there is a good chance that if you have ADHD, so will your kids. While there may be challenges when both kids and parents have ADHD, it is important to remember that it isn’t a condition that needs to be “cured.” Instead, it is a neurotype that represents a difference in how the brain works. You and your children may need certain accommodations to manage the challenges of living in a neurotypical society, but you can thrive with the right type of support.

At a Glance

Because ADHD is highly hereditary, there is a good chance that if you have ADHD, so will your kids. While there may be challenges when both kids and parents have ADHD, it is important to remember that it isn’t a condition that needs to be “cured.” Instead, it is a neurotype that represents a difference in how the brain works. You and your children may need certain accommodations to manage the challenges of living in a neurotypical society, but you can thrive with the right type of support.

Whether you have recently beendiagnosed with ADHDor have been living with ADHD for many years, a question almost all adults ask is: “Will my children have ADHD, too?”

The answer to this question depends on several factors. The biggestcause of ADHDis genes,which means that ADHD does run in families. Even if no one in your extended family has officially been diagnosed with ADHD, you might notice family members with characteristics and traits that resemble ADHD.

Despite this strong genetic link, if you have ADHD, it doesn’t automatically mean your child will, too. This is because it is a combination of genes and environmental factors that determine whether a child develops ADHD. They can inherit ADHD genes without them being activated.

Research suggests that around 40% of children who are diagnosed with ADHD have at least one parent who also has symptoms of the condition.

While you might feel powerless over your genes, there are still some things that you can do to help your child, including watching for early signs and acting as a role model. This article discusses proactive approaches you can take to help your child if they inherit ADHD.

If your child starts to display signs orADHD characteristics, seek professional help. Getting an early diagnosis and the appropriate treatment will be invaluable to your child; it will help minimize their struggles and aid their success. It is also important to tell your child’s pediatrician that there is a family history of ADHD.

If your child does inherit ADHD, it might manifest in a very different way from your ADHD. For example, if you have hyperactive-impulsive ADHD and your child has inattentive ADHD, your behavior and challenges will be different even though you both have ADHD.

Also, ADHD often looks different depending on the sex of your child.If your son has hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, they could be very physically active, while yourdaughtermight be hyper-talkative and verbally impulsive.

Finally, even if you are of the same sex as your child and have the same ADHD presentations, you can still have different ADHD behaviors and challenges. However, knowing that these differences exist can increase your awareness and help you detect ADHD traits in your child early.

RecapADHD is not the same for every person, so it is important to recognize that your child may be different and may face unique struggles.

Recap

ADHD is not the same for every person, so it is important to recognize that your child may be different and may face unique struggles.

The Three ADHD Subtypes and How to Recognize Them

Your relationship with ADHD affects how your child deals with their diagnosis.Try to speak about it neutrally, rather than something that is “horrible” and that you wish you didn’t have.

In addition, if you areactively treating and managing your ADHDsymptoms, then it will help your child do the same. If you learn and implementADHD-friendly life skillsand seek appropriate medical assistance, your child will too.

Children like to fit in. If they are the only child at school with ADHD, it can make them feel isolated and lonely. Knowing that you have ADHD and are doing well gives them a morale boost and makes them feel less alone.

People with ADHD are experts at feeling guilt andshamefor all sorts of things, from constantly being late to forgetting important tasks at work. However, don’t feel guilty that your child has ADHD. Just like the color of their eyes, you have no control over which genes they inherited.

Sharing this condition can also help your child feel closer to you. Because you can relate to their symptoms and struggles, they may feel a closer bond that they might not share with a parent who does not have ADHD.

RecapIf your child does develop ADHD, don’t feel guilty. Remind yourself that you are able to understand what they are experiencing and that your child has importantstrengthsthat will help them cope.

If your child does develop ADHD, don’t feel guilty. Remind yourself that you are able to understand what they are experiencing and that your child has importantstrengthsthat will help them cope.

More is known about ADHD than ever before. This means it is easier for ADHD to be detected, and the appropriate help is more readily available from the medical community and at school. In addition, your child has a supportive parent who understands their struggles.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that your parents weren’t supportive. Each generation does its best with the knowledge and research that is available to them at that time.

It’s also helpful toreframehow you view ADHD. For example, instead of framing the symptoms of the condition as “deficits,” try thinking of them as differences. When you look at ADHD like this, you realize your child’s brain might work differently than some people, yet different doesn’t need to be a bad thing.

Takeaway

ADHD does have a strong genetic component, but that does not mean that your child will necessarily inherit the condition. In addition to the impact of environmental interactions, it is also important to remember that there are many treatment options available that can help your childeffectively copewith the condition if they do develop it.

As someone who understands what it is like to live with the condition, you are uniquely positioned to help them. Be a positive force in your child’s life, remember to focus on their strengths, and watch for symptoms so that you can work with your child’s doctor to find the best possible treatment.

Top ADHD Resources for Adults

Frequently Asked QuestionsThere is no question that more children are diagnosed with ADHD than they were in the past, but it is not easy to determine if this means that more kids have the condition or if more kids are being diagnosed. The way that children are diagnosed has changed over time, but it is also possible that children may have been exposed to environmental factors that might affect ADHD.Genetics has a significant role, but environmental variables also interact with genetics to cause the condition. Factors that are believed to play a role in causing ADHD include poor nutrition or substance use during pregnancy, exposure to environmental toxins, and certain illnesses such as meningitis. Traumatic brain injuries are also thought to be a risk factor.

There is no question that more children are diagnosed with ADHD than they were in the past, but it is not easy to determine if this means that more kids have the condition or if more kids are being diagnosed. The way that children are diagnosed has changed over time, but it is also possible that children may have been exposed to environmental factors that might affect ADHD.

Genetics has a significant role, but environmental variables also interact with genetics to cause the condition. Factors that are believed to play a role in causing ADHD include poor nutrition or substance use during pregnancy, exposure to environmental toxins, and certain illnesses such as meningitis. Traumatic brain injuries are also thought to be a risk factor.

7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Grimm O, Kranz TM, Reif A.Genetics of ADHD: What should the clinician know?Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2020;22(4):18. doi:10.1007/s11920-020-1141-xFaraone SV, Larsson H.Genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Mol Psychiatry.2019;24:562–575. doi:10.1038/s41380-018-0070-0Starck M, Grünwald J, Schlarb AA.Occurrence of ADHD in parents of ADHD children in a clinical sample.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2016;12:581-588. doi:10.2147/NDT.S100238Rucklidge JJ.Gender differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2010;33(2):357–373. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2010.01.006Johnston C, Williamson D, Noyes A, Stewart K, Weiss MD.Parent and child ADHD symptoms in relation to parental attitudes and parenting: Testing the similarity-fit hypothesis.J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2018;47(sup1):S127–S136. doi:10.1080/15374416.2016.1169538Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ADHD throughout the years.Narad ME, Kennelly M, Zhang N, et al.Secondary attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents 5 to 10 years after traumatic brain injury.JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(5):437. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.5746

7 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Grimm O, Kranz TM, Reif A.Genetics of ADHD: What should the clinician know?Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2020;22(4):18. doi:10.1007/s11920-020-1141-xFaraone SV, Larsson H.Genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Mol Psychiatry.2019;24:562–575. doi:10.1038/s41380-018-0070-0Starck M, Grünwald J, Schlarb AA.Occurrence of ADHD in parents of ADHD children in a clinical sample.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2016;12:581-588. doi:10.2147/NDT.S100238Rucklidge JJ.Gender differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2010;33(2):357–373. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2010.01.006Johnston C, Williamson D, Noyes A, Stewart K, Weiss MD.Parent and child ADHD symptoms in relation to parental attitudes and parenting: Testing the similarity-fit hypothesis.J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2018;47(sup1):S127–S136. doi:10.1080/15374416.2016.1169538Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ADHD throughout the years.Narad ME, Kennelly M, Zhang N, et al.Secondary attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents 5 to 10 years after traumatic brain injury.JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(5):437. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.5746

Grimm O, Kranz TM, Reif A.Genetics of ADHD: What should the clinician know?Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2020;22(4):18. doi:10.1007/s11920-020-1141-xFaraone SV, Larsson H.Genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Mol Psychiatry.2019;24:562–575. doi:10.1038/s41380-018-0070-0Starck M, Grünwald J, Schlarb AA.Occurrence of ADHD in parents of ADHD children in a clinical sample.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2016;12:581-588. doi:10.2147/NDT.S100238Rucklidge JJ.Gender differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2010;33(2):357–373. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2010.01.006Johnston C, Williamson D, Noyes A, Stewart K, Weiss MD.Parent and child ADHD symptoms in relation to parental attitudes and parenting: Testing the similarity-fit hypothesis.J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2018;47(sup1):S127–S136. doi:10.1080/15374416.2016.1169538Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ADHD throughout the years.Narad ME, Kennelly M, Zhang N, et al.Secondary attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents 5 to 10 years after traumatic brain injury.JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(5):437. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.5746

Grimm O, Kranz TM, Reif A.Genetics of ADHD: What should the clinician know?Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2020;22(4):18. doi:10.1007/s11920-020-1141-x

Faraone SV, Larsson H.Genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Mol Psychiatry.2019;24:562–575. doi:10.1038/s41380-018-0070-0

Starck M, Grünwald J, Schlarb AA.Occurrence of ADHD in parents of ADHD children in a clinical sample.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2016;12:581-588. doi:10.2147/NDT.S100238

Rucklidge JJ.Gender differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2010;33(2):357–373. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2010.01.006

Johnston C, Williamson D, Noyes A, Stewart K, Weiss MD.Parent and child ADHD symptoms in relation to parental attitudes and parenting: Testing the similarity-fit hypothesis.J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2018;47(sup1):S127–S136. doi:10.1080/15374416.2016.1169538

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ADHD throughout the years.

Narad ME, Kennelly M, Zhang N, et al.Secondary attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents 5 to 10 years after traumatic brain injury.JAMA Pediatr. 2018;172(5):437. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.5746

Meet Our Review Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

What is your feedback?

At a Glance#

Recap#

Takeaway#

At a Glance

Recap

Takeaway