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Is adhd always hereditary?

7 replies

kizzie · 04/11/2004 12:44

Really sorry to bombarb everyone with all these questions re. adhd today. Just trying to get my head round everything.
Everything Ive read over last couple of days has suggested that ADHD is hereditary. Does anyone know if thats always the case? I cant think of any history in either of our families.
Thanks
Kizziex

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sallystrawberry · 04/11/2004 13:07

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kizzie · 04/11/2004 19:09

Thanks SS for replying and for info.
Kizziex

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NatureDoc · 04/11/2004 19:44

Often it is hereditary but can also be due to sugar imbalances, adrenal exhaustion, poor digestion, food intolerances, lack of nutrients in the body e.g. fish oils. I'd get these checked out.
If hereditary is there a history of lack of concentration/disorganisation or hyperfocus without hyperactivity? This is less well known called ADD.

Good luck!
x

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blossomhill · 04/11/2004 20:54

In my case attention problems are definitely hereditary. My dad has attention problems, his 2 brothers, my cousin, my brother and me. My dd has quite bad attention problems magnified by her language problems.
Oh and I do too!!!!

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zebra · 04/11/2004 21:00

My cousin's eldest was diagnosed with ADD -- this was 20+ years ago, and they didn't automatically tag on the H bit, then. Anyway, she's the only one in our (very large extended) family, her dad is very mellow, don't think it's particularly on his side either.

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mrsforgetful · 04/11/2004 21:23

NATURDOC....just what i was thinking!!! The 'HYPERACTIVITY' bit always confuses as it is not always there....and the HYPERFOCUS....well that is my greatest bug to bear at the moment as too many professionals discount ADHD when a child can concentrate for hours on the P.C or reading novels cover to cover without stopping (as i did as a child) ....that they deny the child help that 'may' be given if a DX is made for ADHD.

as far as genetics go i do believe it's likely to be genetic in our family....but do think that there are 'triggers'- so the person may not show symptoms .

Also ADHD (even in adults) can present as a chaotic/happy/manic/lively/depressed/disorganised/energetic/exhausted/forgetful/amazing longterm memory/daydreamer etc person......so it's no wonder that it is so confusing.!

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kizzie · 08/11/2004 10:37

Thanks everyone for replying.
It IS all so confusing because there are so many different elements.
My mum keeps saying (head in sand as usual)- 'there's no way there can be anything wrong, he can concentrate on a jigsaw for ages and hes so interested in animals....'
Kizziex