Question: TLDR: Do you have any thoughts or advice for people with ADHD, who also have family members with Parkinson's disease? What kind of treatment can be advised since stimulants increase risk of early onset PD?
  
  Hi Dr. Faraone!
  
  I've been diagnosed with ADHD and 4 out of total 10 cousins on my mom's side of the family have a diagnosis as well. So I think it is safe to say that I got my ADHD from my mom's side of the family. On my dad's side there's something different going on, my dad and his mother developed Parkinson's disease early in their mid 40s, and now my dad's sister has been diagnosed at the age of 60.
  
  Since both conditions are heritable and have something to do with dopamine deficiencies in the brain, I went to look if theres some sort of connection. I came across a study published in 2018 that found that people with ADHD are 2.4 times more likely to develop early onset PD and people with ADHD who are treated with stimulants are 4x more likely to develop early onset PD, this all compared to the people who dont have ADHD.
  
  I've been diagnosed and taking stimulant medication for 2 months now and it's been going well. I haven't felt good about myself in a while and the meds and therapy are helping me to do the things that need to be done and to take additional time to relax and take care of myself. As of now I don't see myself just stopping with stimulants so early in my treatment.
  
  I was wondering if you have some thoughts or advice on this situation. I was already accepting that there is an increased chance that I will develop PD in the coming 20 years of my life. But this just adds another layer of unfavorable odds given to me from this genetic lottery game that noone asked to participate in anyway🙄.
  
  Sorry for the long text, it looks like you have a lot of reading to do for the coming hours. Goodluck and thank you :)
Answer: When you speak with your healthcare provider ask about non-stimulant options such as atomoxetine and extended release versions of guanfacine, clonidine, viloxazine.
content: Q: TLDR: Do you have any thoughts or advice for people with ADHD, who also have family members with Parkinson's disease? What kind of treatment can be advised since stimulants increase risk of early onset PD?
  
  Hi Dr. Faraone!
  
  I've been diagnosed with ADHD and 4 out of total 10 cousins on my mom's side of the family have a diagnosis as well. So I think it is safe to say that I got my ADHD from my mom's side of the family. On my dad's side there's something different going on, my dad and his mother developed Parkinson's disease early in their mid 40s, and now my dad's sister has been diagnosed at the age of 60.
  
  Since both conditions are heritable and have something to do with dopamine deficiencies in the brain, I went to look if theres some sort of connection. I came across a study published in 2018 that found that people with ADHD are 2.4 times more likely to develop early onset PD and people with ADHD who are treated with stimulants are 4x more likely to develop early onset PD, this all compared to the people who dont have ADHD.
  
  I've been diagnosed and taking stimulant medication for 2 months now and it's been going well. I haven't felt good about myself in a while and the meds and therapy are helping me to do the things that need to be done and to take additional time to relax and take care of myself. As of now I don't see myself just stopping with stimulants so early in my treatment.
  
  I was wondering if you have some thoughts or advice on this situation. I was already accepting that there is an increased chance that I will develop PD in the coming 20 years of my life. But this just adds another layer of unfavorable odds given to me from this genetic lottery game that noone asked to participate in anyway🙄.
  
  Sorry for the long text, it looks like you have a lot of reading to do for the coming hours. Goodluck and thank you :)
   Ans: When you speak with your healthcare provider ask about non-stimulant options such as atomoxetine and extended release versions of guanfacine, clonidine, viloxazine.