It is usually diagnosed during childhood, but it can also affect adults.
If you have ADHD, it means that your brain processes information differently.
People with ADHD face challenges because they are expected to conform to expectations created for a neurotypical society.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
The exact causes ofADHDaren’t known.
However, researchers suspect there may be several factors that determine whether someone might develop ADHD.
At a Glance
ADHD is complex, and there is no single cause.
There are, however, certain factors that might make a person more likely to have ADHD characteristics.
Regardless of the causes, people with ADHD can succeed and thrive with the right support and accommodations.
Common Causes of ADHD
Researchers believe that there are many different causes of ADHD.
The answer is: It depends.
ADHD is primarily a hereditary disorder.
It is estimated that the percentage of genetic contribution to ADHD is an estimated 74%.
Despite this strong genetic link, having ADHD doesnt automatically mean you’ll pass it on to your child.
This is because it is a combination of genes and environmental factors that determine whether a child develops ADHD.
Children can inherit ADHD genes without them being activated.
To date, several gene candidates have been found in families who demonstrate ADHD.
ADHD is not a sex-linked condition.
Illnesses and Injuries
Illnesses such as meningitisor encephalitis can result in learning and attention problems.
Exposure to lead (even low levels) can result in hyperactivity and inattention.
Poor nutrition and infections during pregnancy can increase the risk of ADHD, for example.
There’s also evidence that using some substances during pregnancy increases the risk that the child will develop ADHD.
The study couldn’t conclude that smoking causes ADHD, but it did indicate that a correlation exists.
Takeaways
It’s likely that ADHD stems from a variety of causes.
Researchers continue to learn more about the potential causes and risk factors for ADHD.
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