ADHD in Adults Causes

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) develops from both genetic inheritance and life experiences. Some authors have argued that ADHD develops as an adaptive pattern, and, following the model of evolution, suggested that the pattern must provide some kind of benefit to those who express this pattern, perhaps in aboriginal hunting tribes. However, not a single childhood or adult study has found that those with ADHD have any type of advantage in today's world over individuals without this condition. Also, ADHD is increasingly recognized as not so much a problem with sitting still or paying attention but actually as a problem of self-regulation or self-control. This explanation for ADHD means that individuals with ADHD have problems developing efficient self-regulation skills and decision-making abilities.

Biologically, ADHD is a neurochemical and neuroanatomical disorder. People with ADHD have several chemicals (still to be determined) in the brain that are not present in the right quantities in the right places at the right times. These chemicals may work sometimes, but not always, and they are not under the individual's control. This is why people with ADHD have variable performance. Also, some nerve groups seem to be a bit out of position in the brain, causing delays or accelerations of nerve signals.