Health encyclopaedia

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Causes of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

The cause of ADHD is not certain.

Genetic factors play a significant part. It tends to run in families and boys are affected more than girls.

Research suggests that part of the brain works more slowly in children with ADHD, with changes in the parts of the brain that control impulses and concentration (frontal lobes).

Children with ADHD may have an imbalance in the neurotransmitters (brain chemical) and possibly a lack of dopamine in the front part of the brain.

Poor parenting, family stress, excessive watching of TV, too much sugar etc. is not seen as a cause. Families with a child with ADHD may be stressed or disorganised, but this may be to do with the problems of coping with a child with ADHD.

In a small number of cases, the cause it is thought to be due to injury to the brain during development e.g. premature birth (low birth weight) smoking during pregnancy, having an accident or surgery during the first month of life.

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