Causes of ADHD

While conclusive data regarding the cause of ADHD remain elusive, most researchers and experts agree that it has a multifactorial basis.

Both the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD today focus primarily on symptoms. However, a closer look at the disorder's etiology, or cause, may help that focus expand to preventative treatment and a lower reliance on medication.

A recent critical analysis looked at both biological and genetic causes as well as environmental factors in the development of ADHD. The researchers found that a dopamine deficiency--a genetic predisposition--is most likely the primary cause of most ADHD cases. However, environmental factors like maternal smoking during pregnancy, prematurity, alcohol exposure, endocrine disorders, and dietary deficiencies may also contribute to a child's developing the disorder.

This multifactorial etiology means that prenatal education of environmental risk factors, especially for mothers who have a family history of ADHD, may prove to be an effective way to prevent or reduce symptoms.