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MTHFR: Another Piece of the ADHD-Genetics Puzzle

ADHD is a very complex disorder. The number of factors contributing to symptoms is vast — and growing. MTHFR is a genetic abnormality that’s somewhat common in individuals with ADHD, and its presence could explain a lot, and offer additional treatments. Here is what you need to know.

10 Comments: MTHFR: Another Piece of the ADHD-Genetics Puzzle

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  1. In response to lgross3.. asking about next steps/basically, where to start regarding testing & finding a physician; I actually came upon my testing/diagnosis when I went to see a Neurologist. It just so happened that he was highly interested/invested in Genetics/Genetic Disorders & took a conducted a thorough medical history/personal background inventory, etc & panel of tests from the start. Mine revealed my MTHFR status, just to start.

    (I had already been diagnosed as ADHD (as an adult) & had a PTSD diagnosis as well.)

  2. “Steering clear of extra folic acid is advised, too.”
    Good to know.
    Because with so many cases of ADHD/Autism/Neurodiversity, all pregnant women are put on folic acid before and during their pregnancy.
    I wonder how that might be affecting things.

  3. I appreciate the article, but I don’t know what my next step should be. What sort of genetic testing should I get and what kind of doctor would do it? I’m not sure what to search for in my health insurance physician finder.

    Can anyone advise?

  4. I found out I had a double C defect a couple of years ago. But it wasn’t until recently when I saw a reference to Epstein Barr virus that I really started to look into it. I wondered if it could be a cause of ADD symptoms. I’m glad I stumbled upon this article!

  5. Is the appropriate amount of B vitamins and folate based on weight or age? Is there a chart or table that shows the correct amount of these vitamins a child should take because of the mthfr mutation?

    1. This is different for every individual. It’s a trial and error process of titration. Some people need a tiny dose of methylated B’s, while others need more than the usual daily amount. An individual’s neurochemistry plays a distinct role, in addition to the genetics.

      Penny
      ADDitude Community Moderator, Parenting ADHD Trainer & Author, Mom to teen w/ ADHD, LDs, and autism

  6. 23andMe recently changed their sequencing chip (they are now using their V4 chip) and no longer provides information on the following SNPs:

    MTRR H595Y (rs10380)
    MTRR R415T (rs2287780)
    BHMT-04 (rs617219)
    AHCY-02 (rs819134)
    CBS N212N (rs2298758)
    SHMT1 C1420T (rs1979277)
    If you were genotyped recently by the new chip, these SNPs will not output information.

  8. I am homozygous recessive for MTHFR C677T. I know this means I make less neurotransmitters. What I would appreciate is if you can explain why I have reactions to so many drugs, as mentioned in the article above, specifically the ones metabolized on CYP3A4. No one seems to be able to explain this to me. My four siblings and mother are all heterozygous for the MTHFR gene but have the same CYP3A4 gene. They do not have the extreme reactions that I do to medications like codeine, benzodiazepines and lidocaine. I would appreciate any information you can give me.

    Thanks.

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