ADHD: Blame Genes, Not Parenting

Study shows a genetic link for the first time
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 30, 2010 11:13 AM CDT
ADHD: Blame Genes, Not Parenting
If this kid has ADHD, don't blame his parents.   (Shutter Stock)

The next time the kid at the table next to you at dinner won’t stop banging his spoon on the table, pause before inwardly berating his parents. He may have ADHD—and a new study shows that, contrary to popular belief, the disorder is not caused by bad parenting or a poor diet filled with sugar and additives. Scientists from Cardiff University say it’s a genetic condition, the Independent reports.

The scientists found the first direct evidence of a genetic cause for ADHD by discovering differences between DNA from children with the disorder and children without. Previously, though it was known that ADHD ran in families, there was debate over whether that was a cause of shared genes or a shared (bad) environment. Children with the disorder are twice as likely to have missing or extra chromosomes, the AP adds, in genes that have been connected to autism and schizophrenia.
(More children stories.)

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