Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Risk factors for ADHD include:

  • Maternal exposure to toxins
  • Smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs during pregnancy
  • A family history of ADHD or certain other behavioral and mood disorders
  • Low birth weight

ADHD frequently occurs along with certain other conditions, including:

  • Having a learning disability
  • Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Drug use
References
  1. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/adhd_booklet.pdf. Accessed Nov. 10, 2010.
  2. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Nov. 10, 2010.
  3. Rucklidge JJ. Gender differences in attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2010;33:357.
  4. Clinical practice guideline: Treatment of the school-aged child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Elk Grove Village, Ill. American Academy of Pediatrics. Subcommittee on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Committee on Quality Improvement, et al. Pediatrics. 2001;108:1033.
  5. Rader R, et al. Current strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. American Family Physician. 2009;79:657.
  6. Spencer T. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In: Ebert MH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Psychiatry. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y., McGraw Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3290305. Accessed Nov. 10, 2010.
  7. Wilms Floet AM, et al. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pediatrics in Review. 2010;31:56.
  8. Krisanaprakornkit T, et al. Meditation therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010:CD006507. http://www.cochrane.org/reviews. Accessed Nov. 10, 2010.
  9. Larzelere MM, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine usage for behavioral health indications. Primary Care Clinics. 2010;37:213.
  10. Swintak CC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 19, 2010.
DS00275 Feb. 10, 2011

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