Health Information
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Cause
The exact cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) isn't known. But it may run in families. Ongoing research is focused on finding the Reference genes Opens New Window that cause a person to be likely to get ADHD.
A mother's use of cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs during pregnancy may increase the risk for ADHD. Also, exposure to lead may cause symptoms linked with ADHD.Reference 1
Although many parents believe that foods with sugar and food additives make their children more hyperactive, these foods haven't been shown to cause ADHD.Reference 2
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference February 2, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics |
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