ADHD: After All, What is its Origin?

Abstract

This study aims to contribute to demystify one of the main misconceptions involved in this issue, namely that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), derives essentially from problems in family education. This article results from an updated research in different journals and books of the specialty and aims to give an explanation about the main etiological causes of ADHD: (i) genetic/hereditary; (ii) neurobiological and neuropsychological; (iii) other etiological factors with pre, post, and postnatal origin; and (iv) contextual factors. It is now known that ADHD is a multidimensional condition whose confluence of different endogenous and exogenous factors results in a heterogeneous expression of its main symptoms throughout life (i.e., inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity). Knowing really the nature of the problem, we will know (all, but in particular parents, teachers and other educational agents) better how to act with these individuals in the different contexts where they are inserted.