Numerous studies have confirmed that ADHD indeed has a genetic basis, which is worrisome for parents who recognize the symptoms from their childhood experiences. As a result, many companies capitalize on this information by offering home DNA tests for various inherited conditions, including bipolar disorder and ADHD.  Can a home DNA test predict the onset of ADHD in your child? How useful can such a test be?

You’ll find many of these home DNA tests on the shelves of a pharmacy or on websites.  DNA tests look at your genes, which contain DNA instructions inherited from family.  They also look at chromosomes, which contain DNA, and enzyme levels. Using them is very simple – all you need to do is swab your child’s cheeks for cells that are loaded with DNA, obtain a blood sample, or get a stool sample. The sample will then be mailed to the testing company for analysis. In several weeks’ time, a health profile will be mailed to you with information about your child’s genetic health profile, genetic background, an assessment of the risk for ADHD, and recommendations for reducing this risk.   However, most of these results are misleading – DNA testing cannot predict whether or not your child will inherit ADHD.

In the first place, there is no specific gene that causes ADHD. While the presence of certain genes can influence a child’s response to treatments or cause variations in symptoms, they do not cause ADHD itself.  They can only place a child at risk for ADHD, but it does not guarantee that the child will develop the disorder.  A child who has a 30% chance of developing ADHD also has a 70% chance of not developing it.  What causes ADHD is the interaction of a specific genetic profile with various environmental causes.  This is something that a home DNA test cannot predict.

If you are concerned that your child might develop ADHD because you or your partner have the disorder, there are many things you can do to reduce the impact of your genes on your child’s development.  A nutritious diet free from artificial additives is a good starting place.  Promoting exercise and lots of physical activity prevents hyperactive behavior and provides the brain with the stimulation it needs.  Making sure your child consumes the daily recommended amount of vitamins and minerals is also important when preventing ADHD.

Even if you feel that a home DNA test might ease your worries, remember that there is no such thing as a DNA test that can diagnose ADHD, and any information derived from such tests will be of little use. Additionally, reliable genetic tests are always done at a lab setting, not at home.  In fact, the FDA’s regulatory agency has only approved 12 of the 1,000 currently available genetic tests; of this dozen, none are tests that you can take at home.  Consult your health care provider before you order any self-administered tests for ADHD. If you really are concerned, have your child evaluated for ADHD by a professional.