Causes

The causes of ADHD are still unknown, but the condition is widely believed to have a neurological basis. Research suggests that it results from a chemical imbalance or irregularity in certain neurotransmitters, the chemicals that send information between cells, directing behavior. One recent study indicated a link between a person's ability to pay continued attention and the level of activity in the brain, finding, for example, that the rate at which the brain uses glucose--its main source of energy--is lower in people with ADHD.

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Many parents worry that their poor parenting has caused their child's ADHD. While it is true that behavior problems and low self-esteem might be made worse when a parent constantly reacts to the child with anger and frustration, there is not evidence to support the notion that parenting causes the condition in the first place. Some research has suggested a possible link to smoking and the use of alcohol during pregancy or to high levels of lead in a young child's body in some instances, but these cases are relatively rare. There is no evidence that the disorder is triggered by eating sugar or food additives or by allergies or immunizations.

In rare cases, research has shown that extremely severe head injuries may lead to ADHD.