CAUSES
The exact cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is not fully understood, although a combination of factors is thought to be responsible.
Genetics
ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition.
Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.
However, the way ADHD is inherited is likely to be complex and is not thought to be related to a single genetic fault.
Brain function and structure
Research has identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD from those without the condition, although the exact significance of these is not clear.
For example, studies involving brain scans have suggested that certain areas of the brain may be smaller in people with ADHD, whereas other areas may be larger.
Other studies have suggested that people with ADHD may have an imbalance in the level of neurotransmitters in the brain, or that these chemicals may not work properly.
Groups at risk
Certain people are also believed to be more at risk of ADHD, including people:
who were born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy) or with a low birthweight
with epilepsy
with brain damage – which happened either in the womb or after a severe head injury later in life.
If your problems are recent and did not occur regularly in the past, you're not considered to have ADHD. This is because it's currently thought that ADHD cannot develop for the first time in adults.
Other possible treatments
There are other ways of treating ADHD that some people with the condition find helpful, such as cutting out certain foods and taking supplements. However, there's no strong evidence these work, and they should not be attempted without medical advice.
Diet
People with ADHD should eat a healthy, balanced diet. Do not cut out foods before seeking medical advice.
Some people may notice a link between types of food and worsening ADHD symptoms. If this is the case, keep a diary of what you eat and drink, and what behaviour follows. Discuss this with a GP, who may refer you to a dietitian (a healthcare professional who specialises in nutrition).
Supplements
Some studies have suggested that supplements of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may be beneficial for people with ADHD, although the evidence supporting this is very limited.
It's advisable to talk to a GP before using any supplements, because some can react unpredictably with medicine or make it less effective.
You should also remember that some supplements should not be taken long term, as they can reach dangerous levels in your body.
Tips for parents
If you're the parent of a child with ADHD:
be sure your GP or specialist helps you understand the difference between ADHD and any other problems your child may have
think about who else needs to know about your child's ADHD, such as their school or nursery
find out the side effects of any medicine your child takes and what you need to look out for
getting to know people at local support groups can stop you feeling isolated and help you to cope
Exercise
Make sure your child gets lots of physical activity during the day. Walking, skipping and playing sport can help your child wear themselves out and improve their quality of sleep.
Make sure they're not doing anything too strenuous or exciting near to bedtime.
Read our physical activity guidelines for children and young people, which includes information on getting active, and how much activity you and your child should be doing.
Eating
Keep an eye on what your child eats. If your child is hyperactive after eating certain foods, which may contain additives or caffeine, keep a diary of these and discuss them with a GP.
Bedtime
Stick to a routine. Make sure your child goes to bed at the same time each night and gets up at the same time in the morning.
Avoid overstimulating activities in the hours before bedtime, such as computer games or watching TV.
Night time
Sleep problems and ADHD can be a vicious circle. ADHD can lead to sleep problems, which in turn can make symptoms worse.
Many children with ADHD will repeatedly get up after being put to bed and have interrupted sleep patterns. Trying a sleep-friendly routine can help your child and make bedtime less of a battleground.
Help at school
Children with ADHD often have problems with their behaviour at school, and the condition can negatively affect a child's academic progress.
Speak to your child's teachers or their school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) about any extra support your child may need.
Adults with ADHD
If you're an adult living with ADHD, you may find the following advice useful:
if you find it hard to stay organised, then make lists, keep diaries, stick up reminders and set aside some time to plan what you need to do
let off steam by exercising regularly
find ways to help you relax, such as listening to music or learning breathing exercises for stress
if you have a job, speak to your employer about your condition, and discuss anything they can do to help you work better
if you're at college or university, ask about what adjustments can be made to support you, such as extra time to complete exams and coursework
talk to a doctor about your suitability to drive, as you'll need to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) if your ADHD affects your driving
contact or join a local or national support group – these organisations can put you in touch with other people in a similar situation, and can be a good source of support, information and advice
