• Question: I have ADHD, what causes this?

    Asked by jordandainty to Damien, Rachael, Simon, Suzi, Tim on 20 Jun 2011. This question was also asked by jorden69.
    • Photo: Suzi Gage

      Suzi Gage answered on 20 Jun 2011:

      Hi @jordandainty and @jorden69
      Thanks for the question.
      At the moment, scientists are not sure exactly what causes ADHD. It is thought that there may be an aspect to it that is inherited, via your DNA from your parents. But even if you have the genes, this doesn’t mean you’ll definitely have it.

      The environment you live in is also important, even before you’re born. If you mother is exposed to cigarette smoke while she’s pregnant, this can make it more likely that her child will get ADHD, although it by no means makes it certain. Certain chemical food colourings have also been blamed, although these are not used very much any more.

      So I’m afraid we don’t know for sure, but these are some theories about at the moment.

      I hope this answers your question. How do you find living with ADHD?

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