ADHD Medication in Families
ByIt has been known for a long time that ADD/ADHD runs in families. ADD/ADHD is very genetic. Heritability studies show that ADD/ADHD is about as genetic as height – i.e. it is in the 80-85% heritable.
A study was done that shows that it is quite common for more than one member of the family to be taking medication for ADD/ADHD.
If a child is taking ADD/ADHD medication, a parent is 9 times more likely to be taking medication for the condition as well. The researchers found that 60% of the time it was the mother vs. 40% of the time with the father.
In my clinical experience working with kids and teens, often times when a parent gets a diagnosis of ADHD and starts treatment (often including medication) this can have a dramatic impact on the outcome for the child or teen. This relates to the fact that a lot of the parenting approaches which work for ADD/ADHD kids and teens involve the parents introducing structure in the parenting. If the mother or father have ADD/ADHD, they may struggle to establish the needed structure. When they receive treatment, things can improve significantly.
Do you have more than one family member taking ADD/ADHD medication? What’s your experience?
Best,
Dr. Kenny
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060928.wadhd0927/BNStory/specialScienceandHealth/home
Hi Dr. Kenny,
I was wondering whether you know of any research which explores the mechanism by which ADD is inherited (or by which it’s caused)? Have there been any studies done on adopted children and their birth parents, or on twins, to see whether the rates are similar?
Thank you for this post! As an ADD Family Coach I see this a lot and one thing I see tons is that the thing that aggravates the parents about this child is the thing that the parent struggles with as well.
So for instance, I had a family where the parent would forget sessions but was so infuriated at her son for forgetting to tell her when he had school activities.
Or another client who forgets sessions but can’t stand when her daughter forgets to do her chores.
I try to lovingly point out that changing their own behaviors would help the child.
Thanks again,
Margit Crane
I am a little late in my response to this, but I just found this blog and am happy that I did.
My mother, sister, and I, have all been diagnosed with ADHD. It orginally started with my sister being tested in the 90′s. She was diagnosed and then it was suggested that we too be tested.
We had been experiencing similar issues as my sister, but at the time knew so little about ADHD, to make a connection. You can only imagine how things were in my household prior to knowing. A nightmare.
Now, at least 10 years later, we all still take medication for our ADHD. Although recently my aderall xr does not seem to be working…I am thinking tolerance?
Anyway, the short story is that my daughter (8) was just diagnosed. I hate that I am responsible for her ADHD, and often beat myself up about it. I should be glad however that I knew early on the symptoms and was able to get her the help that she needs.
Dr. Kenny,
Although both me and my husband have never been diagnosed with ADD both our kids have it. I believe the gene must be in my or my husband’s family.
We are at a stage now with our son that our Doctor recommends taking Strattera which he is been on for a while and combining it with Biphentin. Can you explain the pros and cons as well as the relationship between the two medication and their effects? I admit not really understanding why combining the two.
Many thanks
Chantal – the biphentin is a stimulant, and the strattera is a non-stimulant. They work in different ways, and have some different side effects. Strattera causes sleepiness, whereas stimulants can cause insomnia. Sometimes a doctor will suggest combining for this reason – i.e. to handle a side effect issue (i.e. to help with sleep), or for ADHD which is only partially responding to a stimulant, adding a non-stimulant can improve the outcome.
Of course – the best way to understand what your doctor was thinking is to ask at the next appointment.
My mom was on meds for ADHD for as long as I can remember (dexadrine) as well as other stuff for depression and other various disorders. I only recently started receiving treatment for ADHD myself at 22 (I was showing symptoms, but it didn’t effect my school work too much so they wouldn’t treat me) and I am sooooo happy that I’m finally taking something! I am glad that I can look at my mother (she has a master’s degree and a very great job after she retired from the Navy after 20 years) and know that the meds will actually help me achieve what I want! I am a very intelligent person (tests and everything proven, not tootin my own horn) and I am content (without meds) to take the easy way and get a B and coasting (i.e. not studying, procrastinating, etc) and now I actually have a drive to get off the couch on my days off! I’m so glad I finally found a doctor who actually believes that ADHD is still in need of treatment even when school work isn’t super effected. Now I make A’s instead of B’s!
Dr. Handelman, I am considering a trying to have a baby. I have been taking 15mg of adderall Ir twice per day. What research is available on Adderall and pregnancy? Alternatively what suggestions do you have (i.e. switching meds, dose) prior to pregnancy to protect the fetus and protect mothers ability to function.
Ann – that is a great question – and I’m sorry that I don’t know the best answer.
When someone has a question about medicines and pregnancy – I always check with motherrisk. You can read about their program here: http://www.motherisk.org/women/index.jsp
This is something dear to my heart. I was in grade school in the 70s. They didn’t test for anything back then. You just failed and were told you were stupid. I have always known there was something wrong with me. IQ tests have put me at about 100, but if I skip certain kinds of question I can score as high as 145. My first two kids are fine but my third has all kinds of problems as well. He even has the exact same eye prescription. Here is a very interesting article on this very same subject.
http://hubpages.com/hub/How-we-cured-our-Childs-ADHD
I am a 35 year old mother of two children ages 8 and 13. My oldest was diagnosed with ADHD in 3rd grade, and my youngest in Kindergarten. The struggles both children faced then and continue to face were all too familiar to me. After speaking with my primary care physician I too was diagnosed and began medication at the age of 33.
The struggles of a family with ADHD is huge. The topic of medication is so controversial that unless you personally have struggled through daily life un-medicated vs seeing the difference once medicated I feel people should not be against it. Although medication is not the only answer, it has had such a positive impact on my life that I wish my parents had taken a harder look at my school performance during my school age years.