ADHD ‘bad parenting’

ADHD, the disorder that affects children’s ability to concentrate and results in disruptive behaviour, might simply be the result of them not getting enough sleep, leading scientists believe.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is exacerbated by bad habits such as not getting to sleep early and using mobiles or tablets before bed, they say.

The theory will fuel the belief that ADHD is caused – or at least aggravated – by poor parenting.

Professor Sandra Kooij, of VU Medical Centre in Amsterdam, said: “If you review the evidence, it looks more and more like ADHD and sleeplessness are two sides of the same physiological and mental coin”.