ADHD Chaos at Home Affects Whole Family
While it remains unclear as to the impact and chaos a parent with ADHD has on the rest of the family, it has been shown that children with a parent with ADHD have higher rates of mental health issues and greater incidences of co-morbidities than those with a non-ADHD parent. In addition the general day to day routines of the family and of the marital relationship is also impaired when one of the parents has ADHD.
Heredity and ADHD Chaos
A recent research study published in Human Genetics suggest that ADHD is “highly heritable.” While scientists are not clear as to what causes ADHD, it is believed that anything from genes, brain injury, toxic exposure, and other medical issues contribute to the disorder. The study findings report that because ADHD may be from the influence of many factors which combine to cause the disorder in the presence of unfavorable environmental conditions – like a chaotic household where one parent with ADHD impacts the learned behaviors of the children.
Genetics and ADHD
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reinforces the position of the important role genetics plays in ADHD. Statistics show that up to 50% of parents of ADHD children are also adults with ADHD. While the cause of ADHD is complex and involves multiple factors, there is no evidence that social factors alone can account for the condition; however, it is important to note that parents who do not treat their ADHD may model unhealthy behaviors and coping methods onto their children so that a household in chaos feels normal to them.
Modeling ADHD Behaviors
In a household where a parent has untreated ADHD the household routine and completion of daily routines become chaotic. A child that does not have ADHD can experience symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, anxiety, and display disruptive behaviors, all learned from modeling the parent or parents with untreated ADHD. Parenting without ADHD is often difficult and stressful – parenting with ADHD often brings one’s own personal chaos into their developing children’s lives.
Help for Parents with ADHD
Get your household on track through diagnosis, treatment, and developing coping mechanisms. Call Dr. Hege, an adult ADHD specialist, for help in creating and managing a calm, supportive, and structured home environment every ADHD affected family needs.