What is ADHD?

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a behaviour disorder that is characterized by three core symptoms:

  • Inattention – Difficulty paying continuous attention
  • Hyperactivity – Excessive movement and restlessness
  • Impulsivity – Premature and thoughtless actions

Academic Paper

Pathophysiology of Attention Deficit – Hyperactivity Disorder, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 2002

What causes ADHD?

ADHD may be caused by a combination of factors:

Brain Chemistry

An imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain.

Genetics

Research suggests that ADHD may run in families. However this does not mean that all children in a family have ADHD.

Environment

Certain factors such as complications during pregnancy, delivery or infancy may contribute to ADHD.

ADHD may be caused by a combination of factors: