The exact causes of ADHD are not known. Specialists have some theories and possible causes, however, and studies have shown links between ADHD and other conditions.

It’s unlikely that parents are responsible for a child’s ADHD. The possible causes include genetics, brain injury and nutritional and environmental factors.

Many experts encourage parents to focus on helping their child with ADHD and not to dwell on the causes. However, there is hope that understanding the causes of ADHD will help to lead to effective treatment.

Genetics as a Possible Cause of ADHD
The majority of ADHD cases are believed to be genetic. Around half of all parents with ADHD will have a child with ADHD. Studies of twins show that if ADHD is present in one twin, it is likely to be present in his identical twin even when the twins have been raised separately. (This is not the case with fraternal twins, who have different DNA from one another.)

The success of drugs like Ritalin leads experts to believe that ADHD sufferers have lower levels of dopamine in their brains, which is likely the effect of genetics.

To date, no specific genes have been identified as being associated with ADHD.

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