ADHD: is it hereditary

Has your child just been diagnosed with ADHD, and do you recognise yourself in their difficulties? This is 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 The causes of ADHD.

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 ADHD and the brain: what the research says.

Within the 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 ADHD and siblings.

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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 the questionnaires and decide to seek advice. This late diagnosis often brings relief.

This subject is developed on our page Diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood.

Hereditary does not mean inevitable

Carrying 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 ADHD: support at home.

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 with ADHD: helping your child 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. Dialogue within the family reduces tensions.

To explore further, see Explaining ADHD to your child.