Causes of ADHD

Understanding the Diagnosis

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most over-diagnosed and under-diagnosed disorders. This is because many other disorders and problems can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. In addition, the majority of children who have Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder also have other related problems.

Causes of ADHD

ADD/ADHD is a neuro-chemical disorder with a large genetic component. The genetic contribution to ADD/ADHD is 80% or more. It is now known that poor child management by parents does NOT cause ADD/ADHD. Other causes of ADD/ADHD that have been disproved include; food additives, allergies, sugar, milk in diet, excessive caffeine in diet, environmental allergens, family stress, excessive use of TV and video games, increased cultural tempo, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, anxiety, and learning disabilities. Although many of the previously-mentioned environmental and emotional conditions can result in other behavior/emotional difficulties, they do not cause ADD/ADHD. ADD/ADHD is a problem of the brain. Therefore, symptoms will be observed across time and across environmental settings.

ADHD occurs in approximately 5% to 8% of the childhood population, and approximately 4% to 5% of the adult population. Three times more boys have ADHD than girls. Among adults, the ratio is 2 to 1.

ADHD Coaching is available online, by phone , and in-person by Jay B. Gordon, Ph.D. Neuropsychologist and staff ADHD Coaching Psychologists.