DOES IT RUN IN THE FAMILY?

If you have a child with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or ADD with the added hyperactivity (ADHD), you might want to get tested yourself. Abdurahmaan Kenny, mental health portfolio manager for Pharma Dynamics, says ADHD is highly familial. “Research shows that 40 percent of children with ADHD have at least one parent with clinical ADHD symptoms. Much of the success of the treatment outcomes for the children depends on the commitment of their parents.”

According to a 2020 paper on ADHD, parental commitment is influenced by varying factors, including stress, coping mechanisms, culture, socio-economic status and knowledge of and attitude towards ADHD.

“Having two or more family members with ADHD can make for intense family dynamics,” Abdurahmaan says. “However, getting a diagnosis can be liberating: the self-awareness that comes when you realise that your lack of executive function skills, for instance, is related to your condition, helps reduce the guilt and stress you may be experiencing. Getting treatment will improve your parenting skills and treatment outcomes for the child.”

40% OF CHILDREN WITH ADHD HAVE one AT LEAST PARENT WITH CLINICAL ADHD SYMPTOMS