What Causes ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological/behavioral disorder that affects a person's ability to control one's behavior. The real cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is unknown, although numerous factors are thought to be responsible. 

Genetics

People with a family history of ADHD are more susceptible to the disorder. It’s believed that the genes an individual inherits from his/her parents play an important role in encouraging the development of this condition.

Research indicates that the parents and siblings of a child having ADHD are more likely to suffer from the illness well. In fact, their susceptibility is five times more. However, the means by which ADHD is transmitted is quite complex and doesn’t relate to any genetic faults whatsoever.

Brain Functioning and Structure

Studies have shown numerous disparities in ADHD patients’ brains as compared to people who don’t have the disorder, although the precise significance of these differences isn’t clear. It has been proven that ADHD victims seem to have smaller brain areas contrary to the normal people who have larger brain areas.

The brain might take 2 to 3 years longer to reach maturity in children having ADHD, compared to those kids who don’t have the disorder. Again, people living with ADHD might experience an imbalance in the amount of neurotransmitters available in their brain, or sometimes these chemicals could be totally malfunctioned.

Other possible ADHD causes

Many other causes have been noted to contribute heavily to the development of ADHD. These include:

• Excessive consumption of alcohol, misuse of drugs, and smoking during pregnancy.
• Having an extremely low birth weight.
• Exposure to intensively toxic leads during childhood.
• Brain damage that occurred while in the womb or in the early years of life.
• Being born prematurely.

However, additional research is needed to confirm if the mentioned factors are the exact triggers of ADHD.

How to manage your condition

Living with ADHD can really be detrimental. The symptoms including stress, anxiety, and depression can severely frustrate an individual’s life, preventing him/her from participating in routine tasks or even enjoying social interactions. Fortunately, there are several measures that help in suppressing your symptoms:

• Avoid self-diagnosis. Simply talk to your doctor for a confirmed diagnosis and a proper treatment plan.
• Register with EFMP. This will help in effectively managing your child’s condition, especially when the symptoms are critical.
• Seek assistance from friends, support groups, and counselors.
• Accept your condition and try controlling your stress levels.

ADHD Triggers

• Immunizations
• Food additives
• Taking too much sugar
• Allergies

Why are children affected by ADHD?

It has been confirmed that the number of children living with ADHD has risen tremendously. Those receiving medication for the condition seem to take the treatments for a long period before their symptoms disappear. ADHD is now a common condition affecting young children. Since people have been educated about the disorder, more victims have received medical assistance.

ADHD Facts

• Prenatal exposures to smoke, nicotine or alcohol increase the unborn child's chances of developing ADHD in the future.
• Severe head injuries might cause ADHD under certain circumstances.
• ADHD is a detrimental neurobiological disorder whose signs and symptoms are solely dependent on the child’s environment.
• Toxins available in the surrounding environment can trigger the occurrence of ADHD. For example, the presence of lead in the body may severely affect the child’s growth and behavior.
• A lowered sense of activity in the brain can be as a result of ADHD.