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ADHD Family Link

Overview: 

ADHD in the Family Tree

ADHD is widely viewed as an inherited condition

25% of close relatives of a child with ADHD also have the condition

If your child has ADHD there's a chance you might also have it

READ FULL ARTICLE 

Related links: About ADHD   How is ADHD Diagnosed?   Choosing a Healthcare Professional

ADHD Family Link

ADHD in the Family Tree

ADHD is widely viewed as an inherited condition

25% of close relatives of a child with ADHD also have the condition

If your child has ADHD there's a chance you might also have it

Like your height or hair color, ADHD can be inherited. Seventy-six percent of ADHD is due to genetics, so the condition frequently runs in families. Studies show that 25% of the close relatives in the families of ADHD children also have the condition. If your child has ADHD then there's a chance you may have ADHD, too.

ADHD has the highest rate of heritability among all neurobiological conditions. Up to 44% of fathers of children with ADHD also have ADHD. And up to 38% of mothers of children with ADHD also have the condition. For a brother or sister of a child with ADHD, the risk is 32%.

While the exact cause of ADHD is still unknown, researchers have focused their research on chemical messengers in the brain. These messengers are believed to play a role in behaviors like attention and movement.

Often times, adults don't realize they have ADHD until they have a child who is diagnosed with the condition. They become aware of a correlation between some of their behaviors and the symptoms of the condition.

When properly diagnosed and treated, it's possible for your child to manage the everyday challenges of ADHD symptoms with CONCERTA®.


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.