What is attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD?
ADHD is a common childhood disorder, and it may affect children differently. It makes it hard for a child to focus and pay attention. Some kids may be hyperactive or have trouble being patient. ADHD can make it hard for a child to do well in school or behave at home.
ADHD can be treated. Doctors and specialists can help.
Who can develop ADHD?
Children of all backgrounds can have ADHD. Teens and adults can have ADHD too.
What causes ADHD?
No one knows for sure. ADHD probably comes from a combination of things. Some possibilities are:
• Genes, because the disorder sometimes runs in families
• Lead in old paint and plumbing parts
• Smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy
• Certain brain injuries
• Food additives like artificial coloring, which might make hyperactivity worse.
Some people think refined sugar causes ADHD. But most research does not support the idea that sugar causes ADHD.
ADHD is a common childhood disorder, and it may affect children differently. It makes it hard for a child to focus and pay attention. Some kids may be hyperactive or have trouble being patient. ADHD can make it hard for a child to do well in school or behave at home.
ADHD can be treated. Doctors and specialists can help.
Who can develop ADHD?
Children of all backgrounds can have ADHD. Teens and adults can have ADHD too.
What causes ADHD?
No one knows for sure. ADHD probably comes from a combination of things. Some possibilities are:
• Genes, because the disorder sometimes runs in families
• Lead in old paint and plumbing parts
• Smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy
• Certain brain injuries
• Food additives like artificial coloring, which might make hyperactivity worse.
Some people think refined sugar causes ADHD. But most research does not support the idea that sugar causes ADHD.
