What’s the #2 Genetically Inherited Condition in the World?

ADD. Height is #1.

At an ADD conference I attended here in Vancouver last June, many presenters had slides showing that ADD was the #2 genetically inherited condition in the world at 80%. Height was #1. Here’s one article on Medline that talks about it.

In terms of etiology, ADHD is a neuropsychiatric disorder.

There is a genetic basis in about 80% of the cases, involving a number of different genes, and in about 20% of the cases, ADHD is the result of an acquired insult to the brain. Some individuals likely have both genetic and acquired forms

Although medication works well in many cases of ADHD, optimal treatment of ADHD requires integrated medical and behavioral treatment. The family plays a crucial role in the management of children with ADHD.

Often adults find out they have ADD because they slowly see that they have many of the symptoms their ADD children do. In my unscientific experience, men take longer to realize this than women do, or at least longer to come out of denial. As one attempt to counter such denial, I’ve blogged about this issue before under the subtle title “Parents Of Children With ADD Are 24 Times More Likely To Have ADD Themselves Study Says”.

I believe one reason for the denial is that many people mistakenly view ADD as a 98% negative condition, i.e., what I call “pathology consciousness.” ADHD can have many serious negative effects on your work and personal life but there are many advantages of having ADD as well. 151 Advantages to be precise.

“Early recognition and treatment prevent the development of more serious psychopathology in adolescence and adulthood.”

I.e., depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse etc. Another common way adults find they have ADHD when the find they’ve been treated for the above three conditions for a long time and the treatments don’t work. For example people in therapy for a decade for depression and it turns out to be depression because they have undiagnosed and untreated ADD.

That being said, you can also have ADD and depression concurrently. Here’s a list of some common ADD comorbid or co-existing conditions.

If you or someone you know might have some of the symptoms of Adult ADHD, you might consider checking out the 5 minute Harvard Adult ADHD Screener test on my ADD resource website.