Can ADHD Be In Our Genetics?
The real answer to “What’s going on?” …. “EVERYTHING!!!…. ALL THE TIME. The Struggle Is Real” #ADHD
A client recently asked what causes ADHD.
Pointing the finger at bad behavior is common in households raising children. It is often met with humor and fun as you poke at your partner.
“Oh…. he is JUST like his father!”
But, when you have ADHD challenges in your family, you or your spouse’s genetics can TRULY play a significant role in understanding what IS going on.
You think……Is ADHD my genetics?
- Couldn’t be me or Could it?
- Is it the fast-paced society of electronics and everything at our fingertips?
- If I just gave her different food? Or No sugar. Would it help?
- Is it my fault?
- Did I create a demanding child that needs a lot of attention?
- Does society or our environment influence it?
- Is ADHD genetic?
My knowledge points to neurological and ADHD genetic explanations as the root of symptoms. They are subject to being worse with many external factors, including the quality of life we live.
ADHD is known to be genetic and passed down at a rate of over 70%.
ADHD is a brain disorder that is likely caused by various factors. Experts and research suspect genes to play a role. Studies in dopamine – a chemical that is responsible for the ability of our brain to maintain and hold attention is linked to ADHD. It is often referred to as a dopamine seeking brain. The attention-deficit person needs that stimulation to concentrate and focus at higher levels.
Researchers across the world are still working towards determining the genetic factors that make a person more likely to have ADHD.
However, there is still a lot of work to be done to truly understand it more. They are investigating different types of genes that can possibly play a role in developing this brain-related disorder, particularly the ones that are linked to this neurotransmitter dopamine. It has been seen that some of the variants affect communication between the brain cells. In contrast, the others influence certain cognitive functions in our body, such as learning, focusing and language.
Research is still needed to better understand the role of genetics in Attention Deficit Disorder
These pieces of evidence show ADHD is genetically linked and that it can possibly be passed from parents to children. This doesn’t mean all the adults dealing with ADHD will pass on this condition to their kids. It does seem to run in families though, but not in all the cases. It is said that one-third of all adults who had ADHD in their youth days have passed it on to their children.
My client asked me if the way his son is being raised could be a factor in causing it. ADHD is not caused because of the way kids are brought up or bad parenting; it is not due to video games or because your kid had too much sugar. In fact, small doses of sugar like in Gatorade can help a student while studying. It is a dopamine seeking brain-related disorder that can affect anyone. Although the environment can have a factor in how much it affects one’s life on a daily basis.
While parenting doesn’t play a role in causing it, parenting styles could make the symptoms worse. A predictable schedule with routines and habits will foster an environment to help manage the chaotic thoughts and impulses associated with ADHD.
So, when you are poking fun at your spouse for where your child’s wild behavior is coming fun, It just might have some genetic roots and validity to it.
Raz Coaching specializes in helping people with executive function challenges find careers they will love and land them. Read more at www.razcoaching.com/about Or sign up for the weekly blog or purchase my new book Happiness+Passion+Purpose. It is packed full of exercises and strategies you can put to use immediately.
