Today there is an increase of awareness of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, consequently this has led to a better understanding for children and adults who once were considered a family or social problem.

As previously discussed, ADHD children generally have a hard time coping with schooling or adults who have a hard time sticking with a particular job. However, society has grown to understand that such individuals are dealing with serious problems that stem from the condition of ADHD than can be treated. Although, the majority of society does not understand what causes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. What they do understand is that ADHD is a very complicated condition, which stems from many different elements.

It is important to discuss what does not cause ADHD, before discussing what does cause such a condition. A multitude of unrelated ADHD myths abounds and confuses many people as to its origins. Here you will find a list of disputed assumptions considered by research.

1. Diet - This assumption dates back to the 70's as it was considered that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is caused by sensitivity or allergy to certain types of food, for the most part baby food. Although, no research in decades past proves this claim to be a cause of ADHD. The rumor that increased intake of foods like sugar tends to make children impulsive and hyperactive has been reinforced by the media. No relation between the intake of sugar and the behavior of children and their learning patterns has been established by clinical research.

2. Hormonal Imbalance – Although hormones do influence the moods and behaviors of an individual, hormonal imbalance does not cause ADHD. Keep in mind that there has not been any substantial connection between an ADHD episode and hormone levels. Hormones may be at play while causing individuals to be out of focus or impulsive at various times but they do not cause ADHD and its many other symptoms.

3. Vestibular or Balance Problems – Research of the past has determined that learning and behavioral problems stem from the vestibular system of the brain, which controls a proper balance. The proposed treatment at that time for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder was that of motion sickness. However, over the years of research has not proven the relationship of the vestibular system and ADHD. There has been no link found between the two.

4. Family Life and Parenting - Many individuals attribute poor parenting or family problems as the cause of the disorder, since the symptoms Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder involve behavioral problems. However, the parents have not raised these ADHD children poorly not do they come from ADHD dysfunctional families. For instance, an ADHD child is not encouraged by its parents to misbehave at school and not sit still. Rather their behavior can still be hard to manage even when receiving the proper disciple from their parents and perhaps even more, but since their problem also has neurological components.

5. Excessive Television Viewing – Popularly seen as a cause for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is television. Although research has shown that viewing violence on television can increase aggression in children may be comparable to the hyperactivity and impulsiveness in patients of ADHD, however such behavior is not synonymous to ADHD. In reality, research has proven that the amount of time-spent viewing a television show is not different from that of children of the same age group.

People can now focus on the more plausible causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, since these other factors play no part in causing ADHD. Research shows that the majority of the factors are found in prenatal, genetic and neurological factors. Knowing what does not cause, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder helps many individuals to understand what really causes the condition. Studies still have not determined a specific origin of ADHD. Nevertheless, with more research, the mystery of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD may soon surface.