The exact cause of ADHD is not known, although researchers continue to study the brain for clues. They suspect that there are several factors that may contribute to the condition, including:
Heredity: The fact that ADHD tends to run in families suggests that children may inherit a tendency to develop ADHD from their parents.- Chemical imbalance: Experts believe an imbalance of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that transmit nerve impulses may be a factor in the development of ADHD symptoms.
- Brain changes: Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADHD than in children without ADHD.
- Head injury:There are reports of children with head injuries, particularly with concussions, developing behavioral problems that may mimic ADHD.