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ADHD Family Link

Overview: 

ADHD and Your Family Tree

There's a link between ADHD and family genetics

ADHD has the highest rate of inheritability of all behavioral conditions

76% of ADHD is due to genetics, so it tends to run in families

Many adults first realize they have ADHD when their child is diagnosed

READ FULL ARTICLE 

Related links: How is ADHD Diagnosed?   Choosing a Healthcare Professional  CONCERTA® Basics

ADHD Family Link

ADHD and Your Family Tree

There's a link between ADHD and family genetics

ADHD has the highest rate of inheritability of all behavioral conditions

76% of ADHD is due to genetics, so it tends to run in families

Many adults first realize they have ADHD when their child is diagnosed

Research shows there's a link between ADHD and family genetics. Like your height, hair, or eye color, ADHD can be inherited. It's reported that 76% of ADHD is due to genetics, so the condition tends to run in families. In fact, ADHD has the highest rate of inheritability of all behavioral conditions.

Studies have shown that up to 44% of fathers of ADHD children have ADHD. And up to 38% of mothers of ADHD children have the condition as well. For a brother or sister of a child with ADHD, the risk is 32%. So if you have ADHD, it's likely that someone else in your family does too.

While the exact cause of ADHD is still unknown, researchers are focused on the brain's chemical messengers called dopamine and norepinephrine. These messengers are thought to play a role in behaviors like attention and movement.

Many adults don't realize they have ADHD until they have a child who is diagnosed with the condition. They begin to see a connection between some of their behaviors and the symptoms of the condition. It's estimated that only 1 in 4 adults with ADHD were diagnosed as children. And even fewer are treated.

It's possible to manage the everyday challenges of ADHD symptoms with CONCERTA®. And with your symptoms under control, you can focus better and pay close attention to what you're doing.


CONCERTA® is a prescription product approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Talk to your healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Only a healthcare professional can decide whether medication is right for you or your child.

CONCERTA® should not be taken by patients who have: allergies to methylphenidate or other ingredients in CONCERTA®; significant anxiety, tension, or agitation; glaucoma; tics, Tourette's syndrome, or family history of Tourette's syndrome; current or past use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); esophagus, stomach, or intestinal narrowing. Children under 6 years of age should not take CONCERTA®.

Abuse of methylphenidate may lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare professional if you or your child has had problems with alcohol or drugs; has had any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems; has had depression, abnormal thoughts or visions, bipolar disorder, or seizure. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if you or your child: develops abnormal thinking or hallucinations, abnormal or extreme moods and/or excessive activity; or if aggressive behavior or hostility develops or worsens while taking CONCERTA®. Your child's healthcare professional should check height and weight often and may interrupt CONCERTA® treatment if your child is not growing or gaining weight as expected.

Stimulants may impair the ability of the patient to operate potentially hazardous machinery or vehicles. Caution should be used accordingly until you are reasonably certain that CONCERTA® does not adversely affect your ability to engage in such activities.

The most common adverse reaction (>5%) reported in children and adolescents was upper abdominal pain. The most common adverse reactions (>10%) reported in adults were dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, headache, and insomnia.

CONCERTA® and OROS® are registered trademarks of ALZA Corporation

© Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved.

This site is published by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents. This site and its contents are intended for USA audiences only.