:The science bit.

ADHD is a neurobiological condition that affects attention regulation, impulse control, motivation, and emotional processing.

 

It involves differences in brain networks responsible for executive functioning and self-regulation. It is not caused by poor parenting or lack of discipline.

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ADHD is highly heritable, with heritability estimates of around 70–80%. It is polygenic, meaning there is no single “ADHD gene”.

 

Instead, many small genetic variations combine to influence how the brain develops and regulates itself.

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Development begins before birth. Prenatal factors such as stress, substance exposure, prematurity, and early neurological development can influence how genetic vulnerability is expressed.

 

Genetics load the gun; environment shapes how it fires.

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Across the lifespan, environmental factors continue to matter. Trauma, chronic stress, attachment experiences, education systems, and social expectations can either support regulation or intensify dysregulation.

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Around 5–6% of children meet criteria for ADHD. In adults, prevalence is estimated at approximately 2.5%.

 

The lower adult figure does not mean ADHD disappears. Many adults learn to mask or overcompensate, reducing outward signs while internal struggles with regulation and overwhelm remain.