by Polsdorfer R

A risk factor is something that raises the chances of getting a health problem. A person can get ADHD with or without the ones listed below. The chances of getting ADHD are greater in people who have many.

ADHD is more common in boys. Other things that can raise the risk are:

  • Genetics—People who have a parent or sibling with ADHD are more likely to get it themselves. Twins are also more likely to both have ADHD.
  • Birth factors—Being born very early or having a very low birth weight
  • Factors in the mother during pregnancy, such as:
    • Smoking
    • Using drugs or drinking alcohol
    • Using certain medicines, such as corticosteroids and antidepressants
    • Mental health problems
    • High blood pressure
    • Hyperthyroidism
    • Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as lead
  • Toxins—Exposure to toxins like lead raises the risk of ADHD in children.

References

About ADHD—overview. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder website. Available at: https://chadd.org/about-adhd/overview. Accessed May 11, 2022.

ADHD. Kids Health—Nemours Foundation website. Available at: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd.html. Accessed May 11, 2022.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd. Accessed May 11, 2022.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd. Accessed May 11, 2022.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-in-children-and-adolescents. Accessed May 11, 2022.

Understanding ADHD: information for parents. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/Pages/Understanding-ADHD.aspx. Accessed May 11, 2022.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Kari Kuenn, MD
  • Review Date: 11/2021
  • Update Date: 05/16/2022