if ADHD is genetic, why isn’t there a blood test for it?
In: Chemistry
ADHD isn’t a generic disease like say, sickle cell.
Rather its a condition or disorder – a group of symptoms that cause disorder in that persons life.
There is evidence that ADHD is at the extreme end of a spectrum of human behaviour as well.
So there isn’t a single gene that you inherit. Instead its likely a group of what are called “SNPs” or Single-nucleotide polymorphism if you’re fancy. That’s basically a way to say “inherited mutation”.
ADHD is likely due to issues with dopamine, serotonin and glutamate. Having one single mutation to your dopamine system won’t give you ADHD, but having 6 out of 9 potential snps means there’s a chance you will experience it.
Because all ADHD is not equal, there’s no way to have a single test.
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