ADHD Causes: Is ADHD Genetic?

Do you have a family member with ADHD and wonder if you might have it, too? Or maybe you’ve been diagnosed and are worried about passing it on to your children.

Current research shows that ADHD can be genetic. Its heritability is estimated at 77–88%. This means that it has a strong genetic link.^[1]

Findings from multiple studies support this. Research shows that if you have a sibling with ADHD, you’re about nine times more likely to develop it yourself.^[2] Other findings show that 40% of parents with ADHD have children who also meet the diagnostic criteria.^[3]

Despite this, it’s still important to note that genetics is only part of the picture. Researchers believe ADHD can also develop through a combination of factors, including environmental influences. 

Learning more about the causes and signs of ADHD enables you to look out for possible symptoms in individuals at risk.

Many people find out they have ADHD well into adulthood, as a result of their child being diagnosed. This discovery can be life-changing, reframing past challenges as part of your unique ADHD journey. ADDA+ exists to help people on that journey.

Read on to discover more about the heritability of ADHD and other possible causes of this condition.

Originally published on October 5, 2022, this article was updated and republished on December 12, 2025.

Is ADHD Genetic or Hereditary?

ADHD can run in families. The genes you inherit from your parents can significantly affect your risk of developing ADHD. If your parent, sibling, or close relative has ADHD, you’re more likely to have it too.^[4]

Available research has shown that genes play one of the biggest roles in the development of ADHD.

For instance, scientists found that children with siblings who have ADHD are nine times more likely to have ADHD than those with non-ADHD siblings.^[2] Other research suggests that around 40% of parents with ADHD have children who also meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.^[3]

On this note, it helps to understand the difference between the terms “genetic” and “hereditary.”

Hereditary means that genes inherited from parents cause the condition. Meanwhile, genetic simply involves a mutation or change in your genes.

So genetic disorders aren’t necessarily passed down from parents. For instance, cancer involves gene mutation but isn’t always inherited.

In contrast, ADHD can be classified as a genetic and, in most cases, a hereditary condition. That’s because it usually involves mutations in genes that are inherited.

While ADHD shows a strong genetic link, this doesn’t automatically mean that your child will inherit ADHD.

Other factors, such as a person’s environment, can also influence how likely they are to develop ADHD. This is backed up by studies of twins, in which a diagnosis of ADHD in one twin was not always present in the other.^[2]

How Scientists Measure ADHD Heritability

Some studies report heritability rates as high as 88% for ADHD, indicating a strong genetic link.^[1] A heritability rate of 88% means that genes explain most of the reason why some people have ADHD and others don’t.

Much of what we know comes from twin studies. These studies helped researchers understand how much of ADHD comes from genetics versus other factors.

Early studies compared two types of twins:

• Identical twins (who share nearly 100% of their genes)
• Fraternal twins (who share about 50% of their genes)

The research showed that identical twins were consistently more likely to both have ADHD than fraternal twins.^[5] Scientists have confirmed this pattern many times over the years.

Today, experts agree that genetics plays a major role in ADHD. The heritability rate falls somewhere between 77% and 88%.

To put this into perspective, ADHD is more influenced by genes than:

• ADHD – 77-88% heritable
• Height – roughly 80% heritable.
• Depression – 30–50% heritable.^[6]
• Anxiety – 30–40% heritable.^[7]

ADHD is one of the most heritable psychiatric conditions. Genes play as big a role in ADHD as they do in determining your height.

Still, a high heritability rate doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop ADHD if it runs in your family. Other factors, like your environment, also influence how ADHD develops and what symptoms appear.

Other Possible Causes of ADHD

While the answer to the question, “Is ADHD hereditary?” is a likely yes, genes aren’t the only factor involved in the development of ADHD.

The following are some other possible causes of ADHD.

Brain Function and Structure

The ADHD brain may differ from the non-ADHD brain in three different ways: Function, structure, and chemistry.

One such difference in brain function involves the regions of the brain collectively called the default mode network (DMN). This brain system takes care of mental processes like daydreaming, imagining the future, retrieving memories, and internal reflection.

The DMN is turned on when the brain isn’t actively engaging with a specific task, known as the “resting state.” And when it’s time to perform a task, the DMN should deactivate.

In people with ADHD, though, this part of the brain possibly never quiets down, making it harder to focus and pay attention to the task at hand.^[8]

The structural differences between the ADHD and non-ADHD brain may also explain the presence of various symptoms related to impulse control, attention, and emotional regulation.

Here’s what researchers have discovered about the structure of the ADHD brain:^[9]

• The overall brain size in children with ADHD tends to be smaller than in children without ADHD. ADHD brains may mature slower than non-ADHD brains.
• In those with ADHD, areas of the brain, such as the amygdala and hippocampus, may have a smaller volume, affecting how the person processes and regulates emotions.
• Other brain regions, including the frontal lobe, may also be smaller in volume, leading to inattention, impulsivity, and problems with social interactions.

Finally, a difference in the brain chemistry of the ADHD brain could be associated with a chemical messenger called dopamine.

A dysfunction in the dopamine pathways of the ADHD brain may change how the brain processes motivation and reward. This could explain why some adults with ADHD experience a lack of motivation.^[10]

Despite the many studies being conducted about the ADHD brain, scientists still don’t know exactly why these differences happen. As a result, there’s still a lack of explanation for what gives rise to the functional, structural, and chemical differences between an ADHD and a non-ADHD brain.

Environmental Influence on ADHD

Some research suggests that environmental factors can also change how likely a person is to develop ADHD.

According to studies, a person might be at a higher risk of developing ADHD if exposed to the following environmental factors:

• Childhood conditions: A childhood stroke and Streptococcal infection, which is a bacterial infection, may increase the risk of ADHD. Being born with a low birth weight is another risk factor.^[11]
• Brain injury: Children who have experienced severe traumatic brain injury are also at a greater risk of developing ADHD. This form of brain injury happens when a sudden external physical force damages the brain.^[12]
• Exposure to heavy metals: Being exposed to higher levels of heavy metals, such as lead and mercury, might be a risk factor for ADHD. Lead can disrupt the pathway of a chemical messenger called dopamine in the brain, and this disruption is linked to ADHD.^[13]
• Exposure to certain chemicals: Higher exposure to pesticides and air pollutants might also increase a person’s chances of getting ADHD.^[14] So living in industrial areas may promote the development of ADHD.

On the flip side, there are also environmental factors that reduce the risk of ADHD. For example, some research suggests that exposure to a green and natural environment might reduce the risk and severity of ADHD.^[15]

Culture’s Impact on ADHD Symptoms and Diagnoses

A newer and more controversial theory suggests that modern lifestyle and culture may be another piece of the puzzle.

Michael Ruff, M.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Indiana University, mentions that a handful of ADHD cases, at the very least, may be driven by high-stress, fast-paced, and instant-gratification lifestyles.

He suggests that a world filled with ultra-fast-moving video games, smart devices, and a huge variety of TV shows may impact how a child’s brain matures.

For instance, some research found that higher screentime was linked to ADHD symptoms.^[16]

Of course, the role of environmental influences does not invalidate the fact that ADHD is most significantly linked to genetic factors.

Pregnancy Problems and ADHD

Several pregnancy-related factors may impact the risk of ADHD development.

Children born prematurely or with a low birth weight may be at a higher risk of ADHD. This may be due to a lack of nutrients and oxygen during pregnancy, restricting the fetus’ growth and development.^[17]

Premature births may also be associated with changes in specific hormone levels and increased inflammation. This might contribute to the impaired maturation of the brain, behavioral problems, and the development of ADHD.^[17]

Other pregnancy-related factors that may increase the risk of ADHD development in the child include:^[18][19]

• Experiencing regular or excessive stress while pregnant
• Physical health issues or obesity while pregnant
• Smoking or consuming alcohol during pregnancy
• Maternal infections during pregnancy, especially those that occur with fever

Pregnant women with high-risk children (children with at least one parent with ADHD) may require extra support, attention, and counseling to minimize the impact of modifiable pregnancy factors on their child’s risk of ADHD.

What Doesn’t Cause ADHD

There’s a lot of confusion and misperceptions surrounding the role of specific factors, such as diet or parenting, in ADHD development.

Based on research findings, the following are some factors unlikely to lead to ADHD, at least in most cases:

• How you were raised: There is currently no solid evidence that improper parenting techniques can cause the inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity associated with ADHD.
• Time spent playing console games: Research suggests that the amount of time spent playing video games is unlikely to cause ADHD or worsen the condition. However, children with ADHD may spend more time on video games without proper management due to their tendency to hyperfocus.^[20]
• Nutritional factors: There is no clear evidence that your diet and food choices can cause ADHD. Current studies about the impact of diet on ADHD symptoms are also conflicting. Dietary changes, such as eliminating “trigger” foods or incorporating more vitamins and healthy fats, have not yielded significant benefits in people with ADHD.^[21]
• Instability or stress: Stress may not directly cause ADHD, but research demonstrates that stress can worsen ADHD symptoms. Higher exposure to stressful events during childhood can also increase the risk of symptoms persisting into adulthood.^[22]
• Lack of financial resources: Poverty and a lower social economic status might not be a direct cause of ADHD. However, a lack of financial resources can make it more difficult to attain proper ADHD treatment and medical advice.

Should People With ADHD Have Children?

Yes! People with ADHD who want to have kids should do so.

Of course, there are some things to consider. For instance, having the condition yourself could mean your children will have a higher chance of having it.

Parenting with ADHD can also be challenging due to the symptoms tied to the condition.

That said, it’s still very possible to be the best parent for your children, even if you have ADHD.

With the right treatment and support, you can effectively manage your symptoms. This empowers you to communicate well, set household boundaries, and be emotionally available for your kids.

Having a routine and organizational structure at home can also be incredibly helpful. You may consider working with an ADHD coach who can help you build routines and structures for your family.

Essentially, there are many ways to create a loving and nurturing household environment for kids with ADHD.

Genetic Testing for ADHD: What You Should Know

ADHD has a strong genetic link. However, there is no genetic test that can diagnose ADHD or tell you your risk of developing it.

ADHD is a complex condition influenced by hundreds, possibly thousands of genes.^[23] It isn’t tied to a single gene, so the patterns are too complex for a simple test to detect.

Today, genetic testing for ADHD is mainly used in research settings. Scientists analyze large DNA samples to find genes that may increase risk. These discoveries help us better understand ADHD, but they aren’t accurate enough to diagnose individuals.

If you want to understand ADHD heritability in your family, you can speak with a genetic counselor. This professional can explain risk factors and the likelihood of ADHD being passed down. However, they cannot use genetic testing to confirm whether the condition will be inherited.

Research on the genetics of ADHD is ongoing. But for now, ADHD is diagnosed through clinical evaluation, not DNA testing.

What to Do When You Have a Family History of ADHD

If you have a family history of ADHD, there are steps you can take.

The best thing you can do is to stay observant and vigilant of potential symptoms your child may display. If you notice anything out of the norm, it’s always best to get it checked out by a doctor.

You can also let your child’s doctor know about your family history, including which member of the family has been diagnosed or has shown symptoms of ADHD.

These steps can facilitate early detection of the condition. If the doctor makes a diagnosis, they can recommend therapy sooner to help your child effectively manage their symptoms.

Alternatively, if a close relative has been diagnosed with ADHD, you may consider asking them for advice on which treatment has worked best for them.

In this case, you may also wonder if you have the condition, too. ADDA’s adult ADHD test is a good starting point to screen yourself for symptoms of ADHD.

Then you can seek a doctor’s advice for a possible diagnosis and let them know you have a family history of ADHD.

If you are diagnosed with ADHD, consider joining ADDA+ to get access to 200+ webinars, courses, and an expansive library of resources on overcoming ADHD. 

FAQs

Is ADHD hereditary or genetic?

ADHD is both hereditary and genetic. “Hereditary” means that children can inherit genes from their parents that increase the likelihood of developing ADHD. “Genetic” means the condition is linked to changes or variations in genes. In the case of ADHD, both are true. It tends to run in families, and it involves genetic variations that influence how the brain develops and functions.

What percentage of ADHD is genetic?

Research estimates that ADHD has a heritability of around 70–80%, with some studies showing rates as high as 88%. ADHD is one of the most heritable psychiatric conditions.

Can ADHD skip a generation?

Yes, ADHD can skip a generation. This happens because the risk of ADHD is affected by many different genes, along with other factors such as pregnancy-related risks or environmental influences. As a result, it may show up in some family members but not others. 

If a parent has ADHD, will their child have it?

It’s not guaranteed that a child will develop ADHD just because a parent has it. While having one or both parents with ADHD does increase a child’s risk, it doesn’t mean they will definitely inherit the condition. Some children with a family history of ADHD never develop it, and others without any family history do. If you’re concerned, early awareness means early support, and that makes all the difference.

Can you have ADHD without a family history?

Yes, you might still develop ADHD even if you don’t have a family history of it. This may happen due to undiagnosed ADHD in relatives, especially older generations, or environmental factors such as premature birth, exposure to heavy metals, or brain injury.

References

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