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What is ADHD?
(continued)What Causes ADHD?
ADHD is a complex condition, and we don’t know what exactly causes it. ADHD is thought to result from an interaction of several factors, and not one single thing causes ADHD.
Brain Structure and Function The brain structure and brain function of individuals with ADHD differ from people without ADHD.17
Genes
Genes influence the development of ADHD.10
- There is no single gene that causes ADHD, rather, genetic factors in combination with environmental factors likely form risk factors for developing the disorder.17
- ADHD runs in families. Of families that have a child with ADHD, 41-55% also have at least one parent with ADHD.18,19
- Parents and siblings of people with ADHD have an increased risk of developing ADHD compared with the general population.10
- One out of four individuals with ADHD is likely to have a parent, sibling, grandparent, uncle, or aunt with ADHD.17
