Are You Born With ADHD, or Does It Develop?

ADHD carries a lot of stigma around it, making many adults ignore the symptoms. ADHD is a neurological condition causing a combination of impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity, and often associated with misbehaving children. But this condition can affect anyone from birth to adulthood, so are you born with ADHD or does it develop?

Studies suggest it’s largely genetics that determine your likelihood to have ADHD, but environmental factors play a big part in it, too. If you suspect you have ADHD, talk to our licensed professionals at In Balance Counseling. We offer individual therapy and intensive outpatient programs to provide well-rounded mental health support. Reach out today to learn more about how we can assist you.

Possible Genetic Factors

Are you born with ADHD or does it develop? Many congenital factors may cause a person to have ADHD. Symptoms often appear in childhood, though some people aren’t diagnosed until adulthood.

The Brain

Many complexities in the brain may contribute to the development of ADHD:

• Chemistry: Dopamine is a brain chemical related to your nervous system that’s responsible for motivation and pleasure. Those with ADHD tend to have lower amounts of dopamine in their brain.
• Function: Those with ADHD may have a physically different brain that handles attention, memory, and cognitive control differently than those who don’t have it.
• Injury: A traumatic brain injury may cause developmental issues that result in ADHD.
• Structure: Studies find that people with ADHD have smaller brain volumes and various regions of the brain controlling motivation and emotional regulation.

Prenatal Factors

People who had complications during birth or exposure to harmful substances before they were born may be more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis.

Complications include:

• Exposure to alcohol, smoking, pesticides, lead, or other harmful toxins during development
• Weighing under five pounds at birth
• Premature birth or cesarean delivery
• Oxygen deprivation before, during, or after birth

Possible Environmental Factors

Signs of ADHD may show up if a child endures traumatic events, including:

• Abuse and neglect
• Harsh parenting, including intrusiveness, poor treatment, and high emotions
• Unsafe or unstable environment
• Witnessing or enduring violence

Scientists have yet to determine if these directly cause ADHD or if they only make preexisting symptoms worse. Parents who are highly reactive with their emotions could struggle with emotional control due to ADHD symptoms, thus creating a generational cycle.

Find Mental Balance With In Balance Counseling

Are you born with ADHD or does it develop? As mental health awareness spreads and more adults dive into their well-being, we’ll ask this question more often. ADHD is not yet fully understood, but as it stands, it’s likely genetic but highly influenced by environmental factors.

If you feel the effects of ADHD in your daily life and need help overcoming them, call In Balance Counseling in Tucson, AZ. We will help you find balance in your life by exploring physical, social, emotional, and spiritual healing so you can learn how to navigate and regulate ADHD symptoms. Call (520) 722-9631.