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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

What causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but the condition has been shown to run in families.

Research has also identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD when compared with those without the condition.

Other factors suggested as potentially having a role in ADHD include:

  • being born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy)
  • having a low birthweight
  • smoking or alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy

ADHD can occur in people of any intellectual ability, although it's more common in people with learning difficulties.

How attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is treated

For children with ADHD, although there's no cure, it can be managed with appropriate educational support, advice and support for parents and affected children, alongside medicine, if necessary.

For adults with ADHD, medicine is often the first treatment offered, although psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may also help.

Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies.

It's not clear what causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but it tends to run in families.

Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

The symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be categorised into 2 types of behavioural problems:

  • inattentiveness (difficulty concentrating and focusing)
  • hyperactivity and impulsiveness

Many people with ADHD have problems that fall into both these categories, but this is not always the case.

For example, around 2 to 3 in 10 people with the condition have problems with concentrating and focusing, but not with hyperactivity or impulsiveness.

This form of ADHD is also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD). ADD can sometimes go unnoticed because the symptoms may be less obvious.

ADHD is more often diagnosed in boys than girls. Girls are more likely to have symptoms of inattentiveness only, and are less likely to show disruptive behaviour that makes ADHD symptoms more obvious. This means girls who have ADHD may not always be diagnosed.

Related links

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Living with

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Minoxidil

As most of you can relate to, I have given up so much in my life due to RLS. Every possible RLS trigger is in fact a trigger for me. I have given up HRT, SSRIs, statins, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods (I used to put fresh jalapeno peppers on EVERYTHING), sugar, all processed foods, most carbs, and the
As most of you can relate to, I have given up so much in my life due to RLS. Every possible RLS trigger is in fact a trigger for me. I have given up HRT, SSRIs, statins, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods (I used to put fresh jalapeno peppers on EVERYTHING), sugar, all processed foods, most carbs, and the
Birdland profile image
Birdland
in Restless Legs Syndrome
19 hours ago

How to move forward from here…

Hi everyone. I’m doing well and I hope you are not doing so bad yourself too. I am having difficulty forgetting the past situations of injustice in my life that lead me be less then I was supposed to be past 40 year… I feel resentful and irritated that my family failed me in the area of health care
Hi everyone. I’m doing well and I hope you are not doing so bad yourself too. I am having difficulty forgetting the past situations of injustice in my life that lead me be less then I was supposed to be past 40 year… I feel resentful and irritated that my family failed me in the area of health care
mhg22 profile image
mhg22
in Anxiety and Depression Support
12 days ago

Why would SMALL increase in T3 meds have caused fT3 to go DOWN a LOT and fT4 to also go DOWN?

Can someone help explain the mechanism? Given all nutrients of importance are optimal, why would a very slight increase in cytomel from 10 mcg to 12.5mcg, keeping Synthroid the same (at 75 mcg) have caused — fT3 to have dropped significantly from 65.6% to 37.5% of the reference range (from Oct 24 2022
Can someone help explain the mechanism? Given all nutrients of importance are optimal, why would a very slight increase in cytomel from 10 mcg to 12.5mcg, keeping Synthroid the same (at 75 mcg) have caused — fT3 to have dropped significantly from 65.6% to 37.5% of the reference range (from Oct 24 2022
Joyya profile image
Joyya
in Thyroid UK
15 days ago
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Caffeine and progression of Parkinson’s disease: A deleterious interaction with Creatine

So I was thinking of adding Creatine to my stack based on a VERY positive video I watched from a "doctor" who it turns out graduated from an unimpressive medical school within the last 10 years and has already surrendered his license. So then I thought I should research his claims about Creatine and
So I was thinking of adding Creatine to my stack based on a VERY positive video I watched from a "doctor" who it turns out graduated from an unimpressive medical school within the last 10 years and has already surrendered his license. So then I thought I should research his claims about Creatine and
Bolt_Upright profile image
Bolt_Upright
in Cure Parkinson's
15 days ago

Hypothyroidism and Quercetin

Hello i've recently posted about my subclinical hypothyroidism results and i'm having some confirmatory tests next week. I've been looking at my supplement regime and i've been taking Quercetin with Bromelain regularly for about the last 15 years only 500mg a day. There have been a few papers recently
Hello i've recently posted about my subclinical hypothyroidism results and i'm having some confirmatory tests next week. I've been looking at my supplement regime and i've been taking Quercetin with Bromelain regularly for about the last 15 years only 500mg a day. There have been a few papers recently
ockerdoc profile image
ockerdoc
in Thyroid UK
16 days ago

Can I ask for a full psychological eval and not just talk for 10 minutes and get a label?

Do I ask Psychiatrist or psychologist for a more in depth eval? [i] wonder if it more than just anxiety and depression. ADHD and or autism well trained and masked from childhood and now as I struggle with health if I have having trouble masking and holding it in. What might a more in-depth eval look
Do I ask Psychiatrist or psychologist for a more in depth eval? [i] wonder if it more than just anxiety and depression. ADHD and or autism well trained and masked from childhood and now as I struggle with health if I have having trouble masking and holding it in. What might a more in-depth eval look
Lightswitch profile image
Lightswitch
in Mental Health Support
20 days ago

B12 by 💉, . . . & synergistic nutrients to consider ! 😑

Hello ! 😊 The first step on the B12 💉 now taken - although seeing improvements, with a even twice-a-week frequency may take . . . weeks or months . . . in the case of a v long term medical condition ? So far, not feeling too different either way - & in all, the 1000ug was pretty much a cinch, n⛔
Hello ! 😊 The first step on the B12 💉 now taken - although seeing improvements, with a even twice-a-week frequency may take . . . weeks or months . . . in the case of a v long term medical condition ? So far, not feeling too different either way - & in all, the 1000ug was pretty much a cinch, n⛔
Sid_Arthur profile image
Sid_Arthur
in Pernicious Anaemia Society
23 days ago

Daily Low Dose Ketamine

I have had severe Depression for decades. I am treatment resistant. My Antidepressants don't work. Therapy was useless. I was suicidal and hopeless everyday. TMS didn't work. Cost.$15,000. I tried 16 IV Ketamine sessions. Amazing Psychedelic Experience. $500 per session. But no lasting improvement. I
I have had severe Depression for decades. I am treatment resistant. My Antidepressants don't work. Therapy was useless. I was suicidal and hopeless everyday. TMS didn't work. Cost.$15,000. I tried 16 IV Ketamine sessions. Amazing Psychedelic Experience. $500 per session. But no lasting improvement. I
Toddzen profile image
Toddzen
in Anxiety and Depression Support
26 days ago

AgeneBo testing low dose levetiracetam for Parkinsons psychosis

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05824728 https://twitter.com/InnovationFixer/status/1651509316908728320
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05824728 https://twitter.com/InnovationFixer/status/1651509316908728320
Hidden profile image
Hidden
in Cure Parkinson's
1 month ago

Picturing my funeral

I had another tough day yesterday with plenty of suicidal ideation. I managed to get out and hike when I got home and was having a spirited discussion with myself trying to question the stream of irrational thoughts. I became quite emotional and stopped and started to imagine my 4 daughters at my funeral
I had another tough day yesterday with plenty of suicidal ideation. I managed to get out and hike when I got home and was having a spirited discussion with myself trying to question the stream of irrational thoughts. I became quite emotional and stopped and started to imagine my 4 daughters at my funeral
northwoodboy profile image
northwoodboy
in Anxiety and Depression Support
1 month ago

Timing thyroid and ADHD meds

Hi. I'm on 125mcg Levo and 20mcg Lio (taken first thing in the morning). My levels (thyroid, vitamins) were all good in January when I last tested. I was diagnosed with ADHD last year and I've finally taken the plunge to be prescribed 20 mg lisdexamfetamine after satisfying various other tests.
Hi. I'm on 125mcg Levo and 20mcg Lio (taken first thing in the morning). My levels (thyroid, vitamins) were all good in January when I last tested. I was diagnosed with ADHD last year and I've finally taken the plunge to be prescribed 20 mg lisdexamfetamine after satisfying various other tests.
Decant profile image
Decant
in Thyroid UK
1 month ago

Advice or Any tips

Hiya, I've recently started my journey to be diagnosed with autism and ADHD, I'm waiting for some specialists to get back to me but ive already been waiting 4 months, I know it takes a long time but I've generally been driving myself insane, I'm getting really irritable and I'm really struggling, I'm
Hiya, I've recently started my journey to be diagnosed with autism and ADHD, I'm waiting for some specialists to get back to me but ive already been waiting 4 months, I know it takes a long time but I've generally been driving myself insane, I'm getting really irritable and I'm really struggling, I'm
Clarkyy__x profile image
Clarkyy__x
in Autism Support
2 months ago

Struggling to find Cytomel anymore

Hello there! I'm new to the forum so apologies in advance if this is a subject which has been covered previously. I have been taking Cytomel T3 to treat Hashimoto's for almost 10 years from the same source. Unfortunately in the last year this source has discontinued stocking Cytomel. I have tried the
Hello there! I'm new to the forum so apologies in advance if this is a subject which has been covered previously. I have been taking Cytomel T3 to treat Hashimoto's for almost 10 years from the same source. Unfortunately in the last year this source has discontinued stocking Cytomel. I have tried the
SakuraTime profile image
SakuraTime
in Thyroid UK
2 months ago

Advice about hair loss please

Hi, so diagnosed with sub hypo 2 months ago with very raised antibodies. I've been on 50mg levo which was raised due to symptoms after a few weeks so now on 75mg. But while I have seen an improvement in other symptoms my hair is shedding even more. Can anyone advise how long does it take to calm down
Hi, so diagnosed with sub hypo 2 months ago with very raised antibodies. I've been on 50mg levo which was raised due to symptoms after a few weeks so now on 75mg. But while I have seen an improvement in other symptoms my hair is shedding even more. Can anyone advise how long does it take to calm down
Catsrock23 profile image
Catsrock23
in Thyroid UK
2 months ago

Happy Friday HU

Please feel free to show us your projects and photos, I'd love to see them. I will be out of my house for a few hours after I post this thread, but I'll get back here later. I have noticed a few artists sharing their work here, and although my Muse seems to be hiding from me this past winter, I can't
Please feel free to show us your projects and photos, I'd love to see them. I will be out of my house for a few hours after I post this thread, but I'll get back here later. I have noticed a few artists sharing their work here, and although my Muse seems to be hiding from me this past winter, I can't
Boston001 profile image
Boston001
in Anxiety and Depression Support
2 months ago

Anxiety Disorder

good evening to the wonderful team, at the moment I'm at a dead end, three months ago I went to a psychiatrist and he diagnosed me with mixed anxiety and depression disorder, he prescribed escitalopram 10mlg to start with, I haven't started it yet because I have my fears of how they will make me feel
good evening to the wonderful team, at the moment I'm at a dead end, three months ago I went to a psychiatrist and he diagnosed me with mixed anxiety and depression disorder, he prescribed escitalopram 10mlg to start with, I haven't started it yet because I have my fears of how they will make me feel
Giorgos1973 profile image
Giorgos1973
in Anxiety and Depression Support
3 months ago

Effexor

I took Effexor for 15 years. Was on 225 for a while and was fine. I got off Effexor last year and couldn’t manage so I slowly went back on it. I have made my way back up to 225 because my anxiety was still there. I have days where I feel drugged or loopy. I can’t really put my finger on what it feels
I took Effexor for 15 years. Was on 225 for a while and was fine. I got off Effexor last year and couldn’t manage so I slowly went back on it. I have made my way back up to 225 because my anxiety was still there. I have days where I feel drugged or loopy. I can’t really put my finger on what it feels
brittd89 profile image
brittd89
in Anxiety Support
3 months ago

Needed advice

My 6 yr old daughter has been diagnosed with ODD ADHD and they keep telling g me we should test for autism and yet when I bring it up every meeting or appointment they blow me off. How can I get the help my daughter needs. Desperately trying.
My 6 yr old daughter has been diagnosed with ODD ADHD and they keep telling g me we should test for autism and yet when I bring it up every meeting or appointment they blow me off. How can I get the help my daughter needs. Desperately trying.
Dragonlady79 profile image
Dragonlady79
in Autism Support
4 months ago

AHDH and .....

Hello. I found out a few years ago (as an adult) that I am ADHD. This came after a post-partum anxiety diagnosis. Now that I know how common it is for ADHD individuals to also have other challenges like anxiety and depression, I am looking to connect with those that have similar experiences. I am
Hello. I found out a few years ago (as an adult) that I am ADHD. This came after a post-partum anxiety diagnosis. Now that I know how common it is for ADHD individuals to also have other challenges like anxiety and depression, I am looking to connect with those that have similar experiences. I am
myselfcarecircle profile image
myselfcarecircle
in Anxiety and Depression Support
4 months ago

Sinusitis issues here

Having bout of sinusitis. Taking cefdinir currently, and was prescribed methylprednisolone. I'm afraid to take methylprednisolone for fear of it wiring me up. It's a 6 day course at 4 mg. Confused by instructions if I decide to take it. Until you get down to the last few doses, it says to split it up
Having bout of sinusitis. Taking cefdinir currently, and was prescribed methylprednisolone. I'm afraid to take methylprednisolone for fear of it wiring me up. It's a 6 day course at 4 mg. Confused by instructions if I decide to take it. Until you get down to the last few doses, it says to split it up
gbn_ profile image
gbn_
in Lung Conditions Community Forum
4 months ago
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