Locations:
Search IconSearch

What Causes ADHD? Is it Genetic, or Is Technology a Factor?

The short answer from a pediatric behavioral health specialist

Young girl lying on couch playing on a digital tablet

Q: Do we know what causes ADHD in children?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

A: Professional thinking at present is that ADHD is a brain-based, genetic condition. Back in the early 2000s, there were two genes associated with neurotransmitter transmission that were associated with ADHD. Now many more have been associated with the condition.

Some say ADHD symptoms have been in the population since prehistory. Popular writers suggest that these are hunter genes — that when we lived in hunter-gatherer tribes, the hunters were the ones who noticed everything, which is what the ADHD brain tends toward in the modern world.

Some people today make the case that we’re living in a world dominated by screens, and that screens are making attention spans shorter. There’s no question that screens are certainly impacting how children react to directed-attention, effortful tasks — that is, the kind of attention that we use to self-regulate and accomplish difficult work. But the real issue is not that screens are changing attention, at least as far as we know.

There are no clear studies that confirm that screens cause ADHD. That’s a myth, at least for now.

Michael Manos, Ph.D., Clinical Director of the ADHD Center for Evaluation and Treatment

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Graphic of stroke signs: BE FAST: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time
January 15, 2025/Brain & Nervous System
Signs of a Stroke: Act Quickly With ‘BE FAST’

Seek immediate medical attention for sudden loss of balance, vision changes, slurring, facial droopiness and limb weakness

Child being fitted with a hearing aid
January 15, 2025/Children's Health
Could Your Child Have Hearing Loss? And if So, Now What?

Untreated hearing loss can affect kids’ speech and language development and their overall quality of life

Person exhaling, with hookah wand in hand, in hookah den
January 13, 2025/Lung
Yes, Hookah Is Just as Bad for You as Cigarettes

From dental diseases to cardiovascular problems, the harmful effects of smoking hookah have plenty of downsides for your health

Smiling caregiver holding up smiling baby with spit-up on face and onsie, with smiling caregiver in background, too
January 10, 2025/Children's Health
Why Do Babies Spit Up?

Regurgitation of breastmilk or formula is common, but it could be a sign of GERD in some cases

Empty glass on blue table
January 7, 2025/Brain & Nervous System
Can the Glass Test Indicate Meningitis?

Pressing a glass on a rash provides some clues, but it’s not foolproof

People in library, one at table reading, one getting a book from a shelf, one carrying a stack of books
January 6, 2025/Mental Health
What Is ‘Body Doubling’ and Can It Help With ADHD?

Working side by side with another person can improve focus, build accountability and provide motivation to get a task done (or at least started)

A parent checks a child’s thermometer while sitting on a couch
December 23, 2024/Children's Health
What To Do When Your Child Has the Flu

The flu can make kids seriously sick, so watch for signs of dehydration and breathing problems

Adult having a serious talk with a child in living room on a couch
December 20, 2024/Children's Health
How To Talk to Kids About Your (or Another Loved One’s) Serious Illness

It’s important to share the news in an honest and age-appropriate way and to open the lines of communication going forward

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad