What Causes ADHD?

The exact cause of ADHD is not known. But inherited genetic factors are likely responsible. Ongoing research is focused on identifying genes that cause a person to be susceptible to ADHD.
Using various imaging tests, researchers have been able to observe the brain at work. They have found a possible link between ADHD and:

• Brain structure.
• The function of chemicals in the brain that help regulate attention and activity (dopamine and norepinephrine).
• Differences in function of some of the areas of the brain that affect attention and impulse control.

Also, research shows that a mother's use of cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs during pregnancy may increase the risk for ADHD.  Many parents believe that foods with sugar and food additives make their children more hyperactive.  Food allergies will often exacerbate symptoms of ADHD.

Does a person outgrow ADHD?

Sometimes.  A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that certain parts of the brains of children with ADHD develop normally but about 3 years later than in children without ADHD.  This may be why some children seem to grow out of the disorder.

Some people have misconceptions about ADHD, such as that children with ADHD are lazy or dumb, but that’s usually not the case.

Conditions that often accompany ADHD

There is mounting evidence that people with ADHD commonly have one or more other disorders such as dyslexia, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety, and depression.   There are several other conditions with symptoms similar to ADHD. For example, sometimes bipolar disorder and ADHD can be confused. It can be difficult to determine whether symptoms are caused by ADHD, another condition, or both.  This is where brain imaging can really be helpful.

What Increases Your Risk?

So far, it appears that the greatest risk factor for developing ADHD is having an inherited tendency for the condition.
Environmental factors, such as certain parenting techniques, may influence how symptoms of ADHD are expressed, but these do not cause ADHD.
There is also mounting evidence that excessive stimulation (such as playing too many video games) increases the incidence of ADHD.
A stressful family situation may contribute to a child's symptoms. A child may feel guilty because of his or her symptoms and the problems they cause, which can increase the risk of developing another condition, such as anxiety, along with ADHD.