In recent years, we have seen a true "boom" in diagnoses of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This increase has been especially noticeable among adults; people who have spent a large part of their lives feeling "different", inconsistent or misunderstood, and who are finally able to put a name to how their brain works.
Having ADHD is not a matter of attitude, lack of effort or poor upbringing. It is an issue with a deep biological foundation. And the most fascinating thing is that this very biology, written in our genes and modulated by the environment, is what allows us today to better understand the disorder and fine-tune medical treatment to improve the quality of life of neurodivergent people.
Why is ADHD "all in the family"?
Anyone who has ADHD or lives with someone who has it will usually quickly recognise the same patterns in other members of their family. It is not a coincidence.
ADHD is one of the conditions with the highest heritability rate, standing between 70% and 80%. This means that if a father or a mother has ADHD, there is a high probability that their child will also present this neurodivergence.
However, the genetics of ADHD are complex. There is no such thing as "the ADHD gene". It is a polygenic condition, meaning that multiple genes are involved and interact closely with the environment. A large proportion of these genes are implicated in the way our brain manages key neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenaline, which act as the true "fuel" for our capacity for concentration, motivation and impulse control.
The great challenge of ADHD
Anyone living with ADHD knows that receiving a diagnosis is a relief, but starting medication is usually a veritable rollercoaster ride.
The traditional process is based on trial and error. What changes one person's life for the better from day one may have no effect on another, or even worse, cause intolerable side effects that lead them to abandon treatment.
Why does this happen if the diagnosis is the same? Because every liver processes and metabolises drugs at a different rate. Furthermore, every brain is unique and may respond differently. And this is where genetics can provide a key helping hand.
Pharmacogenetics and atomoxetine
Pharmacogenetics is the science that studies how your genes affect the way your body responds to medications. In the case of ADHD, this information is worth its weight in gold.
One of the most prescribed and effective non-stimulant drugs for managing ADHD is atomoxetine. Its function is to help maintain stable levels of noradrenaline in the brain, improving attention and reducing impulsivity.
However, for atomoxetine to work properly, it must be metabolised (processed and eliminated) by the liver. The entity responsible for doing this work is an enzymatic "machine" called the CYP2D6 enzyme. Depending on the genetics you were born with, your CYP2D6 enzyme will work at a different pace, and the results of your tellmeGen genetic analysis will reveal it to you:
- If you are a slow metaboliser: If you take the standard dose, the drug will accumulate in your blood and the risk of suffering side effects (such as nausea, extreme fatigue or dizziness) will skyrocket.
- If you are an ultra-rapid metaboliser: Your body clears the drug so quickly that the medication doesn't have time to do its job in the brain. You will feel that "it has no effect on you".
Knowing your pharmacogenetic profile empowers you as a patient. It translates into saving months of frustration, drastically reducing medical appointments for dosage adjustments, avoiding unpleasant side effects and optimising your pharmacy spending.
If you have ADHD and are considering starting a treatment or changing your current one, check your genetic information to proceed safely.
Turn your genetic information into an ally for your treatment. Discover what your genes say about your response to drugs.
