Connecting Biology to Behavior: The Role of Genetics in ADHD
Briefly

This article emphasizes the heritability of ADHD, highlighting its genetic basis and factors influencing its expression. It notes that ADHD often runs in families, with significant heritability estimates suggesting that between 50% and 80% of ADHD cases can be attributed to genetic factors. Environmental influences such as childhood illnesses and exposure to heavy metals are also discussed. The understanding of ADHD's genetic nature is crucial for improving diagnosis, treatment, and fostering better familial relationships through empathy and communication.
If a child has ADHD, there is a 10 to 35 percent chance an immediate family member also has the disorder, and if the relative is a parent, there is a 57 percent chance the child will have ADHD.
Understanding the genetic nature of ADHD will aid in accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and advancing research toward more effective therapies.
Therefore, ADHD can be considered a disorder that is both genetic and hereditary. In fact, estimates of heritability for ADHD range between 50 and 80 percent.
Recognizing that ADHD can run in families helps foster empathy, improve communication, and strengthen relationships by shifting the focus from blame to understanding.
Read at Psychology Today
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