What Causes ADHD?
ADHD can feel like a tricky puzzle to figure out, and as a parent, you might be wondering what might’ve played a role in your child’s diagnosis. Was it something during pregnancy? Or maybe something later on? In this blog, we break down the research on ADHD risk factors and provide practical tips to help you support your child.
The Big Questions Parents Ask About ADHD
Is ADHD caused by birth complications? Can stress during pregnancy increase a child’s risk? What about environmental exposures—do they play a role? If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions, you’re not alone. Parents often wonder about what factors contribute to ADHD, especially when they’re trying to make sense of a diagnosis.
Here’s the deal: Research has identified a range of prenatal and early-life risk factors that might increase the chances of a child developing ADHD. Some are environmental, some are genetic, and some are just… well, life. But here’s the key takeaway: No single factor causes ADHD, and most kids who encounter these risks won’t actually develop the condition. Genes and environment interact in complex ways, and ADHD, like most brain-based conditions, has no one-size-fits-all explanation.
If you’re a parent feeling guilty or overwhelmed, take a deep breath. The past is the past. What really matters is what you do now to support your child. So let’s break it down: what science says about early risk factors, and more importantly, what you can do about it.
ADHD Risk Factors
Prenatal Risk Factors
Substances & Exposures During Pregnancy
·Alcohol: A 2015 study of approximately 20,000 parents found that children whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy had 1.55 times the risk of developing ADHD compared to those whose mothers did not drink alcohol while pregnant. However, research on the connection between prenatal alcohol exposure and ADHD risk has produced mixed results.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), a group of conditions associated with symptoms similar to ADHD, including behavioral challenges, inattention, learning disabilities, poor memory, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.In many cases, FASD goes undiagnosed—or is even mistaken for ADHD—making proper evaluation and treatment essential.
Smoking: Research also suggests that paternal smoking before and during pregnancy may contribute to a higher risk of ADHD in offspring. However, while prenatal smoking is strongly linked to ADHD, it may not be a direct cause. Studies that accounted for genetic influences found that the connection between maternal smoking and ADHD largely disappeared, suggesting that underlying genetic factors may play a bigger role.
·Opioids & Other Drugs: Opioid use during pregnancy doubles the risk for ADHD. Prenatal exposure to acetaminophen may be linked to an increased risk of ADHD. However, it's still unclear if certain stages of brain development are more sensitive to its effects. The FDA advises pregnant individuals to consult their doctor before taking any pain medication to ensure the safest options for both parent and baby.
Lead & Pollutants: Exposure to environmental toxins like lead and air pollution has been linked to ADHD. If you live in an area with potential risks, a water filter and air purifier can help.
Maternal Health & Stress
Obesity, Diabetes & High Blood Pressure: These conditions may slightly increase the risk for ADHD, though their individual impact isn’t huge. Maintaining good prenatal health is beneficial for many reasons, including brain development.
High Stress & Trauma: Significant prenatal stress can influence a child’s behavior and temperament. One study found that high-stress pregnancies doubled the likelihood of ADHD.
Birth & Early Life Factors
Birth Complications
Oxygen Deprivation at Birth: A lack of oxygen and blood flow during pregnancy or birth has been linked to a higher risk of ADHD later in life. According to a 2012 study of over 13,500 children with ADHD, birth asphyxia was associated with a 26% higher risk, while neonatal respiratory distress syndrome increased the risk by 47%.
C-Section Births: A 2019 study found that babies delivered by C-section, whether elective or emergency, have a higher risk of developing ADHD compared to those born vaginally showing a potential link between C-section deliveries and ADHD.
Prematurity & Low Birth Weight: Being born early or with very low birth weight increases ADHD risk. This is one of the stronger associations we’ve found in research.
Early Life Exposures
Lead & Environmental Pollutants: Even low levels of lead exposure have been linked to ADHD. Make sure your home and water sources are safe.
Head Injuries: Kids with head trauma, especially serious injuries, are at a higher risk for developing ADHD symptoms. But here’s the twist—kids with ADHD are also more likely to get head injuries.
Childhood Trauma & Stress: Children who experience trauma or are exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a higher risk of developing ADHD. Trauma can also worsen ADHD symptoms. Kids with ADHD who go through trauma tend to be more reactive and sensitive to it, and they often require additional support to cope. Moreover, trauma and ADHD share many similar symptoms. This overlap makes it crucial for an experienced clinician to carefully assess whether a child is dealing with the effects of trauma, ADHD, or a combination of both.
What Parents Can Do
So now that we know what might increase the risk of ADHD, what’s actually within your control? Here are evidence-based strategies that can help:
1. Parent Training
Behavioral parent training teaches parents how to manage ADHD-related behaviors in a way that strengthens, rather than strains, the parent-child relationship. Instead of working directly with the child, therapists work with parents to equip them with tools they can use at home, school, and in daily life. These strategies focus on positive reinforcement, structure, and consistent discipline to help improve a child’s behavior, self-control, and emotional regulation.
2. Nutrition
Eat Well During Pregnancy: A healthy prenatal diet may help reduce hyperactivity symptoms later on.
Consider Omega-3s: Kids with ADHD tend to have lower omega-3 levels, and supplementation can help.
Try an Elimination Diet: Some kids react to food additives or allergens. If you suspect a link, consult a professional before making big changes.
Check for Deficiencies: Iron, zinc, and vitamin D levels can impact ADHD symptoms.
3. Sleep
ADHD and sleep problems go hand in hand. A solid bedtime routine, no screens before bed, and aiming for at least 10 hours of sleep can make a huge difference.
4. exercise
Exercise isn’t just good for health—it directly benefits ADHD symptoms. Whether it’s a sport, outdoor play, or dance parties in the living room, make movement a priority.
5. Reduce Environmental Toxins
Test for lead exposure, especially if you live in an older home.
Use HEPA air filters to minimize pollutants.
Avoid unnecessary pesticide or chemical exposures.
6. Be Mindful of Screen Time
Excessive social media and gaming are linked to increased ADHD symptoms over time. Set limits and encourage screen-free activities.
7. Take Care of Yourself, Too
Parents’ stress levels directly impact kids. Get support, practice self-care, and seek help if you have ADHD, anxiety, or depression yourself.
ADHD Support in Tampa
ADHD is complex. While research has identified risk factors, most are not direct causes, and no one should carry guilt over past exposures. What truly makes a difference is what you do now—focusing on early intervention, healthy habits, and the right support for your child. You got this!
At Tampa Pediatric Psychology, our child psychologists and therapists specialize in comprehensive ADHD evaluations and treatment, including parent training, behavior therapy, executive functioning and ADHD coaching, and more.
Whenever you're ready, contact us, our team is here to help your child thrive!