ADHD Mental Health Diagnosis Found to Have Genetic Link

Scientists at Cardiff University announced they have found scientific evidence that Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is genetic. This revelation is based on scientists discovering that children who have ADHD are more likely than other children without ADHD to have small segments of their DNA duplicated or missing. The study also revealed that there was significant overlapping between the segments and genetic variants that have been concerned in autism and schizophrenia. Thus, there is significant confirmation that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. What this means is that children with ADHD disorder have brains that are different than children who do not have ADHD Disorder.

ADHD Mental Health Genetic Link: Dispelling ADHD Myths

This research will go a long ways in dispelling two of the most common myths about ADHD. One of the myths is that the behaviors of children, with the mental health diagnosis of ADHD, are a result of inadequate to poor parenting. The new evidence that ADHD is a genetic disorder also dispels the widespread myth that ADAH is a result of poor or inadequate diet.

ADHD Mental Health Genetic Link: ADHD Facts

There are many things that can be said about ADHD and one of the most striking is that ADHD is the most common mental health diagnosis in children. Characteristics of ADHD include: extreme restlessness-impulsivity-distractibility and often serious behavior difficulties at home and school. There is no cure for ADHD but behaviors can be lessened through medication and behavioral therapy. There is evidence that ADHD is significantly heritable. This means if one person in a family has a diagnosis of ADHD, there is a high likelihood that other members of the family will have the same condition

ADHD Mental Health Genetic Link: Genetic Suppositions

Researchers, at this time, are saying that ADHD is more than likely a result of a number of genetic changes, not just one. They do not feel that screening children, to see if they have the genetic anomalies, will help diagnose the mental health condition of ADHD. Science already is able to do this through robust clinical assessment tools.

ADHD Mental Health Genetic Link: Implications for Practice

ADHD is estimated to affect approximately 3 to 5 percent of children internationally and it is more common in boys than girls. Medication, as one of two most common treatments for ADHD is taken by millions of people globally. The most common medication's prescribed for ADHD are: Novartis's Ritalin, Johnson & Johnson's Concerta, Shire's Adderall and Vyvanse and Eli Lilly's Strattera. Sales, of ADHD drugs in 2009, was estimated to be close to $4 billion dollars.

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