So far, it appears that the greatest risk factor for developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is having an inherited tendency for the condition.

Environmental factors, such as certain parenting techniques, may influence how symptoms of ADHD are expressed, but these do not cause ADHD.

A stressful family situation may contribute to a child's symptoms. A child may feel guilty because of his or her symptoms and the problems they cause, which can increase the risk of developing another condition, such as anxiety, along with ADHD.