Unraveling the Complex Causes Behind ADHD

Causes of ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a chronic condition that affects people's hyperactivity and impulse control. ADHD influences brain development in helping to deal with what's called “executive functions". These include problem-solving, planning the future, evaluating behaviors, and controlling emotions.  Through ADHD Diagnosis, people become more aware of mental disorders and their effects.

What Causes ADHD?

Genetics and heredity are important factors in determining who gets ADHD. They have already found that certain genes may contribute to the development of ADHD especially those associated with the hormone dopamine. Additional research suggests that young children are at risk of getting ADHD when exposed to some chemicals or if their mother had substance abuse during pregnancy. ADHD is not just caused by bad parenting, too much television, or game addictions.

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ADHD and mental disorders have been found to run in families. When one parent has this disorder, it increases the chance that his or her children will develop it too and vice versa. There is also a very strong link between smoking during pregnancy and having a child with ADHD symptoms later on in life as well as substance abuse while pregnant. It can lead to an increased risk of getting ADHD naturally and learning disabilities because of the chemicals they contain which are harmful to fetal development.  Prenatal exposure to environmental toxins including heavy metals such as mercury has also been linked to higher rates of ADD/ADHD diagnoses after birth due to their toxic effects on brain structure and function.

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False Origins of ADHD

According to a predominant theory, certain foods and sugars were likely to increase the chance of having ADHD symptoms that affect mental health. Lack of discipline and excessive consumption of television games can be linked to ADHD as well. Other factors like parenting style and the stresses in the family may influence the severity of mood disorder and the level of impairment. The mother whose child becomes hyperactive should spend more time planning the best ADHD medications that he or she needs. When we use objectivity as the origin of disease, we can allow ourselves to make the right choice for ourselves and to take care of our families. How should we help children with ADHD?

ADHD and Heredity

Genetic research shows that some gene has been identified to be associated with ADHD. This is supported by numerous family studies. More than 25 percent of family members had children with ADHD. When comparing identical and fraternal twins, more than three times as many identical twins had ADHD compared to fraternal ones. Adopted children with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD present in their biological families than in their adopted families. It confirms that the gene has a much higher redox potential for all environmental factors. It confirms a genetic part of ADHD.

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How ADHD is inherited is likely to be complex and is not linked to a single genetic fault. ADHD happens in families and factors like genetics may be a significant factor that can cause it.

Other factors affecting the likelihood of ADHD

Genetic factors are considered primary causes of ADHD which are more prevalent in childhood. A potential contributor is also climate change and its impact on the environment has also been considered. The condition has been linked to higher amounts of lead in school-aged children. Brain injury from a traumatic event such as a stroke, brain tumor or blow to the head can also cause symptoms of inattention and impulsivity similar to ADHD but only a very small percentage are reported.

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Is ADHD hereditary?

Yes! The majority of studies suggest that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder does run in families. This means children are more likely to have the disorder if one or both parents has it as well. However, having a parent with this diagnosis is not 100% predictive of a child having ADHD as well.

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What can I do if someone in my family has been diagnosed with ADHD?

You should first talk to the person who was diagnosed and find out what treatment works best for them. If you have any questions, try not to leave them unanswered because this could affect how they feel about themselves. The more educated you become about ADHD, the better equipped you will be when it comes to helping that person out.

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Give them a piece of advice to seek the help of a mental health professional if needed. To properly treat ADHD and avoid careless mistakes, it is important to take stimulant medications or non-stimulant ADHD medications as prescribed to ease the pain when experiencing ADHD symptoms.

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Who is likely to develop Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Children between the ages of three and seven are more at risk for developing this diagnosis because they have a lot going on in their lives during these years! They may also not have developed the coping mechanisms to deal with stress yet.

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What are some helpful resources for learning more about ADHD causes, risk factors & genetics?

The Attention Deficit Disorder Association is a great place to start! They have information on what you can do if someone in your family has been diagnosed and how it affects their life overall. Check them out here: adda.org