ADHD Genes

Professor Pat Levitt explains that the genetic basis for ADHD is evident from twin and family studies.

The genetic basis, the genetic vulnerability that is part of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is on less solid footing. We know from studies of identical twins and from family members that if one family member has ADHD, as it is called, there’s a greater risk for developing ADHD in other family members - brothers and sisters etc. We know that there is a heritable component to it – meaning that there is some risk at the genetic level. However we do know, from the same genetic studies that there is a much heavier, much larger influence of environment and experience on ADHD.