Help & Resources
What causes ADHD?
Scientists still don’t fully understand what causes ADHD, but we do know it’s a neurodevelopmental condition – a disorder that affects the development of the brain and nervous system in early life. There’s also plenty of evidence that ADHD is genetic, and that both environmental factors and childhood trauma can influence the severity of symptoms.
ADHD and families: the genetic connection
ADHD tends to run in families: it’s strongly genetic. Some studies suggest that if you have ADHD, your first-degree relatives (such as siblings, parents or children) may be up to nine times more likely to have it.
What does that mean in practice? If you have – or suspect you have – ADHD, there’s a good chance more than half your close family members do, too.
(Interestingly, in ADHD twin studies, researchers have found that up to 90% of twins share the condition, regardless of the environment they’re raised in.)
Overall, ADHD appears to be even more heritable than many other well-known genetic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, bipolar disorder and multiple sclerosis.
The evolution of ADHD
Despite the stereotypes, many people with ADHD live rich, successful and fulfilling lives. Some researchers even believe ADHD traits may have evolved because they offered real advantages – not just in the past, but today too.
Just as biodiversity helps life on Earth to thrive, neurodiversity – including different ways of thinking – may have been just as vital for human survival.
ADHD in business and culture
People with ADHD often thrive in high-pressure, creative and fast-paced environments. In fact, you’ll find successful, talented, entrepreneurial individuals with ADHD leading global businesses, pioneering in the field of science and technology, excelling in the arts, and making their mark in sports.
- Britney Spears
- Emma Watson
- Helen Fielding
- Jamie Oliver
- Justin Timberlake
- Paris Hilton
- Simone Biles
- Sir Richard Branson
- Steven Spielberg
- Will.i.am
What's next?
Recently diagnosed with ADHD and looking for support? Join our FREE monthly online and in-person sessions (in Brighton) for interesting conversations with likeminded people – wherever you are on your ADHD journey.