Health

What Causes ADHD?

June 5, 2023
Kevin Peter

ADHD is often diagnosed in children of school age and is characterized by inattentiveness and hyperactivity.

Takeaways from the conference:

  • ADHD is often diagnosed in children, particularly during their elementary school years.
  • The genetics of ADHD is important, but environmental and social factors also play a role.
  • ADHD is not caused by diet, screen time, or parenting style.
  • ADHD is not a condition that will disappear on its own. Many children and adults can manage their symptoms with treatment and perform well at work or school.

Genetic, social, and environmental factors influence ADHD. Most children and adults with ADHD can manage their symptoms through appropriate treatment. This is usually a combination of medication and age-appropriate therapies.

Do you have ADHD from birth?

ADHD is not diagnosed at birth. However, ADHD runs in families. Research studies show that if a parent has ADHD, there’s a high chance their child will also develop the disorder.

ADHD diagnosis can be made as early as age 3-4 or as late as age 12, although most children are diagnosed in elementary school. Classic ADHD can only be diagnosed later during childhood development.

Early childhood behaviors such as having trouble sitting still or taking turns become problematic when children learn to control themselves. Parents, teachers, or healthcare professionals may observe inappropriate development and ask for further evaluation.

What causes ADHD, and when does it occur?

According to the current scientific consensus, children who have ADHD are born with genes that make them more susceptible to developing the disorder. Genetics, environment, and social circumstances influence children’s behavior and personalities as they grow. A child with a genetic predisposition to ADHD can develop it or not.

Researchers are working to help better parents and clinicians understand ADHD. Factors that don’t cause ADHD include:

  • Sugar. Excessive sugar intake is not associated with ADHD.
  • Screens. The use of screens does not affect ADHD diagnosis.
  • Parents. The diagnosis of ADHD is not based on poor parenting.

ADHD is a disorder that causes persistent hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Scientists have connected a few genes with ADHD. The physical structure of the brain differs in people who have ADHD.

What are the three main symptoms of ADHD?

Children with ADHD may show persistent patterns of three of these hallmark symptoms.

  • Inattention. Distracted easily, forgetful. Avoid tasks that require prolonged concentration.
  • Impulsivity. Tends to blurt out answers, interrupt, and is unable or unwilling to wait for others.
  • Hyperactivity. Talks a lot, fidgets, and is always “on the move.”

The symptoms must have been present for at least six months and must also be inappropriate to the child’s development stage. The symptoms and behaviors must be present in two or more settings, such as at home and school.

Different children can display different patterns of behavior. ADHD testing is a lengthy process and involves several tests. ADHD can be diagnosed by psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health professionals. Parents can also request that public schools evaluate their children for learning difficulties.

ADHD has three subtypes.

Three subtypes exist for ADHD. A clinician will evaluate the child to determine which category it falls into.

  • Predominantly inattentive. A diagnosis is made based on the child’s inattentive behavior.
  • Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive. The child qualifies for diagnosis based solely on hyperactive-impulsive measures.
  • Combination. Based on both measures, the child is diagnosed.

Can ADHD go away?

ADHD is a genetic disorder, so it won’t just disappear. Your child will grow and develop and must manage their symptoms and behavior instead. With the right treatment, most children and adults with ADHD can succeed at school and work.

The treatment is designed to help your child manage their symptoms. A typical treatment includes:

  • ADHD medications are available in many different types.
  • Individual Therapy Behavioral Therapy appropriate to your child’s development stage
  • Family therapy. Therapy, including coaching for parents and teaching.

The symptoms of ADHD change over time. However, there is no cure. About two-thirds (or 63%) of ADHD children will still have symptoms in adulthood, according to researchers. Hyperactivity usually decreases through the teenage years. Adults often struggle with symptoms of inattentive ADHD, including poor time management skills and lack of organization.

ADHD Development: Tips for Parents

  • Ask for help. When you are worried about the behavior of your child, seek help. Speak to your child’s school, pediatrician, or other trusted professionals for advice.
  • Be patient. An ADHD diagnosis takes time. The treatment will involve trial and error. There may be gains and setbacks.
  • Do not blame yourself. Children who have ADHD have different brain structures. You are not responsible for your child’s ADHD.
  • Read books and visit trustworthy websites. Find a support group.
  • Find the positive. ADHD doesn’t always mean negative. Positive behavior is often difficult to see, but it exists. Positive outlooks can change the way you view your child’s behavior.

ADHD is not a disorder that babies are born with. If only one parent has ADHD, ADHD will likely manifest before the child reaches 12. Genetic, social, and environmental factors have all been shown to influence ADHD development.

Talk to your child’s pediatrician or teacher if you suspect your child may have ADHD. Discuss the next steps in the evaluation. There are many effective treatments for ADHD, and you can find resources to help create a plan that works for your family.