ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a disorder that scientists are still trying to understand. We are not yet entirely certain what it is that causes ADHD, but there have been many studies over time and they are beginning to suggest that one of the biggest players in the cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is genes.
The truth is, like many other types of disorders and illnesses, the likely cause for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a combination between several different factors. In other words, genetics is probably just a part of the puzzle. Researchers are beginning to look at the potential of environmental factors, and as such they are beginning to look at the social environment, nutrition and even brain injuries as potential causes for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Genes are a blueprint of who we are, and we inherit them from both of our parents. Several different international studies on twins have shown that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is capable of running in families. Researchers are beginning to look at different genes that might make it more likely for a person to develop this disorder. To know what genes are involved could potentially help researchers find ways to prevent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder before the symptoms are allowed to develop.
Children that have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and carry a specific version of a certain type of gene appear to have thinner tissue in specific areas of their brains that are associated with paying attention. The difference was not a permanent one, and as such, the children grew out of some of their attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms as the brain tissue became thicker over time.
There is still a lot of research that needs to be conducted when it comes to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in order to determine what causes it and how it can be prevented or cured.