Causes of ADHD • Is ADHD genetic?

It is primarily genetic factors that are discussed in connection with the development of ADHD. But psychosocial influences and other environmental factors also seem to play a role.

The question of the cause of AHDS (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) remains unresolved. As a rule, there is an interplay of neurobiological and psychosocial influences that can cause ADHD in children.

At a glance:

ADHD in adults and children: 20 important symptoms

Genetics: neurological causes of ADHD

The main cause of ADHD in children is probably a genetic predisposition. The hereditary component of ADHD is related to an impaired brain metabolism. Individual brain regions are less active in children and adults with ADHD than in healthy people and there is a signal disorder.

In the affected regions of the brain, there is a specific imbalance in ADHD children between the messenger substances serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. Motivation and attention are dependent on these messenger substances. Due to the changed brain metabolism, people with ADHD can only process inadequate stimuli and can only filter information to a limited extent.

This can lead to a real overstimulation of the senses – even in normal situations. For children and adults with ADHD, this means that they are quickly overwhelmed. Impulsive behavior, an overwhelming urge to move or impaired concentration are the consequences that are typical symptoms of ADHD.

Causes and risk factors for ADHD

Even if genetic factors are the most common cause of ADHD, it cannot be denied that influences from the immediate environment can also have a negative impact on the development or course of ADHD. Contrary to popular belief that wrong parenting is the cause of ADHD, psychosocial factors are more important. Possible psychosocial causes that have a negative impact on the course of the disease in ADHD include:

  • family problems, such as divorce from parents
  • constant quarrel in the family or between parents
  • financial burdens
  • insufficient emotional care
  • Lack of rules and stability due to inconsistency in education
  • missing everyday structure
  • constant evaluation and criticism
  • Constant irrigation of children through TV, computer games or smartphone
  • Lack of physical activity
  • lack of sleep
  • cramped living situation
  • poor social integration and negative self-image of the child

Complications in pregnancy and childbirth

In connection with the development of ADHD in children, the consumption of nicotine, alcohol and drugs during pregnancy are also discussed as causes. Central nervous system infections, such as those caused by bacteria, could also play a role. Complications during childbirth, such as lack of oxygen, may also have an impact.

Environmental factors: car emissions as the cause of ADHD

Anyone who is exposed to heavy air pollution – for example from road traffic – in early childhood later develops an attention deficit hyperactivity syndrome significantly more often. American researchers have been able to prove this.

The study found that, statistically, seven-year-old children suffer from ADHD more often when they are exposed to air contaminated with car exhaust in their younger years. The researchers accompanied almost 600 subjects from infancy to the age of eight. The result: Babies who grew up near a major traffic artery were more likely to show ADHD symptoms than school children.

How exactly the exhaust gases intervene in the brain metabolism and favor ADHD in the child is still unknown. Various toxic substances may constrict blood vessels in the children's brains, causing damage to the anterior cortex.

Does sugar make children fidgety?

As soon as the chocolate bar or lollipop is in the mouth, the child behaves like being raised: Many parents describe this phenomenon. Some therefore suspect sugar to make their children restless and hyperactive. So far, however, no empirical study has shown that sugar consumption has an impact on the development of ADHD.

The medical doctor and author Carsten Lekutat also gives a clear rejection of the myth of "sugar ADHD". Conversely, a strict ban on sugar is not good for raising well-behaved and calm children, according to the expert.

If a child has ADHD, there is much that parents can do to adapt the psychosocial environment to the child's needs. Parents can find the best tips in our guide.

Promote concentration among schoolchildren

Promote concentration among schoolchildren