My child has just been diagnosed with ADHD. I was a lot like him when I was younger, although I was never diagnosed or treated. Is it possible that ADHD is hereditary?
- Quentin

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has biological origins that are not yet clearly understood. Research has shown that ADHD is common in kids who have close relatives with the disorder, and some genes have been identified that may make the development of ADHD more likely. This may mean that some kids have a genetic predisposition toward ADHD. Currently, though, no single cause of ADHD has been identified.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: November 2010