Genetics and ADHD ADD

Clearly, there is no current research (2005) that has determined that ADHD is genetic either partially or entirely. While empirical data suggest that a genetic link exists, research is still sparse as scientists primarily focus on childhood onset of the disorder with little research on adult AD/HD.

Andrea Chronis of the University of Maryland  has focused on AD/HD mothers and their performance as parents. In her study of 70 families with elementary-school-age children she found that:

• Mothers of ADHD children are 24 times as likely as the average woman to have it
• Fathers of ADHD children are 5 times higher than average to have it
• The mothers often weren’t very involved with their children
• The mothers had few skills to cope with their children
• The mothers didn’t give praise or show affection regularly
• Discipline was inconsistent
• Most of their children also had ADHD

While Chronis’ research does not prove a genetic link, it offers strong support for the theory. And while poor parenting may exacerbate ADHD symptoms, it does not cause ADHD. Thus, the aforementioned poor parenting skills would likely contribute to worsening their childrens’ symptoms. This would lead one to think that parenting skills/counseling should be a primary consideration for families with ADHD.