Parents of children with ADHD often blame themselves for it. But studies show little evidence that ADHD is caused by social factors or child-rearing methods, indicating instead that genetics and neurobiology are to blame. Environmental factors do not give rise to ADHD completely, but only influence the situation and level of impairment the person may experience.



There are six possible causes of ADHD-like behavior: learning disability, a sudden change in the child's life like loss of loved one, seizures, hearing difficulty, brain dysfunction, and anxiety.

There are four major causes of ADHD, namely, environmental agents, brain injury, food additives and sugar, and genetics. Studies show that environmental agents such as alcohol and cigarettes are risk factors for ADHD. Health professionals recommend that it is best to avoid both cigarettes and alcohol during pregnancy. Recent studies also link smoking and other substance abuse for the duration of pregnancy to the disorder.

Early studies show that attention disorders were caused by brain injury. Children who show some signs of ADHD are most likely the ones who suffered from brain injury.

It has been suggested that food additives and sugar cause attention disorders, too. But recent studies have shown that there are no considerable effects of sugar on the behavior or learning of children.

Attention disorders are often hereditary, passing from generation to generation. Attention disorders are likely due to the genetic makeup of an individual. This is the most scientific basis as to the cause of ADHD. Studies show that attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is more common in children who have close relatives with the disorder.

Health professionals know that ADHD is caused by a weakness in how the brain utilizes chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals assist in sending messages between nerve cells in the brain. Children with ADHD do not make enough chemicals in key areas in the brain which are responsible for organizing one's thoughts. Without enough of these chemicals, the organizing centers of the brain don't perform well.

When ADHD is diagnosed early on, it is easier to build up strategies and coping methods that can minimize its effects. If the child is not diagnosed early, parents and teachers may become frustrated and even angry at the child's behavior. The child himself may develop poor self-esteem over these issues, too.

There is no official test to determine ADHD, so it's crucial that parents, doctors and teachers all work together to share information about the child so that he or she can be diagnosed correctly.

Scientists and specialists are looking for further evidences that can support that ADHD does not branch from the home environment, but from scientific causes such as genetics and neurobiology. Knowing the true causes of ADHD can lessen a parent's feeling of guilt for the condition.Sue Perkins has an interest in ADHD. For further information on ADHD please visit ADHD or ADHD Symptoms .