ADHD: is it hereditary

Your child has just been diagnosed with ADHD and you recognise yourself in their difficulties? It’s no coincidence. ADHD has a strong genetic component. Here is what this means for your family. Understanding this aspect often helps the whole family to understand each other better.

A strong heritability

ADHD is one of the most heritable neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies on twins and families show that genetic factors explain a large part of the risk. Environmental factors also play a role.

This point is explained step by step in Les causes du TDAH.

Not a single gene

There is no single ADHD gene. Many genes, each with a small effect, increase the risk. There is therefore no genetic test to diagnose ADHD. Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment.

To go further, read our article TDAH et cerveau : ce que dit la recherche.

Among siblings

The risk is higher for the brothers and sisters of a child with ADHD than in the general population. But it is not systematic: a sibling may not be affected. Each child must be assessed individually.

Stay attentive, without seeing ADHD everywhere.

We detail this point in TDAH et fratrie.

Cercate professionisti dys vicino a voi

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Parents affected

It is common for a parent to discover their own ADHD at the time of their child’s diagnosis. Some recognise themselves in questionnaires and decide to consult. This late diagnosis often brings relief.

This topic is developed on our page Diagnostic du TDAH à l’âge adulte.

Hereditary does not mean inevitable

Having risk genes does not necessarily mean having ADHD. And the environment influences how the disorder is expressed and its consequences. A suitable framework helps the child to function better.

You will find more details in the article TDAH : la prise en charge à la maison.

What this changes

Knowing that the disorder is partly hereditary helps to free oneself from guilt and to better understand family dynamics. A parent with ADHD may also need help organising daily life. They can also be a strength in understanding their child.

Our article Parent TDAH : aider son enfant complements this advice.

Talking about it as a family

Explaining ADHD to the child and the family, including its hereditary aspect, helps everyone to understand and support one another. Family dialogue reduces tensions.

To learn more, see Expliquer le TDAH à son enfant.