There have been many theories as to what causes ADHD. Although research continues, we still do not know the exact cause of ADD or ADHD. What we do know is that the following, bad parenting, food allergies, or food additives, sugar, bad home environment, lack of schooling, too much television, too little sleep do not cause ADD, and the list continues.

What we do know may cause similar symptoms like those of ADD, are the use of alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs in the early weeks of pregnancy when the central nervous system is developed. Exposure in the early years to high levels of lead, usually found in house paint in the 70's. A brain injury where one has lost consciousness, malnutrition, certain vitamin deficiencies, and sleep apnea or sleep disturbances can cause restlessness and inability to focus in the daytime.

What we know about ADD or ADHD is that it runs in families, and shows a genetic disposition. People diagnosed with ADD or ADHD show a decreased amount of certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and nor epinephrine. In addition, people with ADD and ADHD use different parts of their brain at different times than non-ADD people, verified by scans of the brain.

People with ADHD are unique in so many ways, and those who have ADD know that ADD does exist. Many people believe ADD is not a true syndrome, rather that ADD and ADHD diagnosis are used to simply to medicate and placate very healthy and active children, for the convenience of the parents and teachers.

The next time someone says there is no such thing as ADHD, you can choose to ignore him, or her, or you can choose to direct him or her down a path that you know is true and educate him or her instead on how ADD affects you daily.