Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD)
The exact cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) isn't fully understood, although a combination of factors is thought to be responsible.
ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition.
Research shows that bothparents and siblings of a child with ADHD are four to five times more likely to have ADHD themselves.
However, the way ADHD is inherited is likely to be complex and isn't thought to be related to a single genetic fault.
Research has identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD compared tothose who don't have the condition, although the exact significance of these isn't clear.
For example, studies involvingbrain scans have suggested that certain areas of the brain may be smaller in people with ADHD, whereas other areas may be larger.
Research has alsoshown that the brain may take an average of two to three years longer to mature in children with ADHD, compared to children who don't have the condition.
Other studies have suggested that people with ADHD may have an imbalance in the level of neurotransmitters in the brain, or that these chemicalsmay not work properly.
Various othercauses have also been suggested as playing a role in the development of ADHD, including:
However, the evidence for many of these factors is inconclusive, and more research is needed to determineif they contribute to ADHD.
Read about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a group of behavioural symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Read about symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which are categorised into inattentiveness,hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
The exact cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) isn't fully understood, although a combination of factors is thought to be responsible.
Read about diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including when you might want to consider speaking to your GP about it.
Read about treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can help relieve the symptoms and make the condition much less of a problem in day-to-day life.
Read about caring for a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can be draining and make everyday activities stressful.