Both genes and environment link ADHD to school performance

By Staff Writer

Researchers examining the link between academic performance and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) say the culprit is a complex mix of genes and environment.

Looking at twins in the classroom, psychology researchers from Case Western Reserve University said that the impact of genes related to ADHD was greater on reading ability than math, while students’ home environment had a stronger link to their math skills than reading.

The scientists could not explain their finding, but said it could lead to future research on breaking the link  between ADHD behavior and poor academic achievement, according to a study published in the journal Psychological Science, Volume 21.

Some therapists recommend boarding school for teenagers who struggle to overcome their ADHD symptoms while focusing on textbooks in the classroom.

Working with experts at the Florida Center for Reading Research and the Ohio State University, the team analyzed 271 pairs of 10-year-old identical and fraternal twins.

To establish the link between ADHD and academic performance, the authors asked the mother of the twins to rate each child on 18 items. Then a researcher tested each twin’s ability in mathematics and reading ability while grading their attention and hyperactivity levels.