Genetics and neurobiology seems to be the main causes of ADHD in children. Parents may ask: What went wrong? Have I done something to cause this? There is minimal compelling evidence today which says that ADHD can arise by purely social factors or methods of raising children. Most legitimate reasons appear to fall under the realm of neurobiology and genetics. This does not mean that environmental factors can not affect the severity of the disorder, and in particular the extent to which the damage and suffering the child may be experiencing, but that these factors do not seem to be a condition by themselves.
The focus of the parents must be in the search of the best possible way to help the child. Researchers are studying causes in an effort to identify better ways to treat, and perhaps one day, to prevent this disorder. There has been evidence found proving that ADHD does not stem from the home environment, but that ADHD is due to biological reasons. Knowing this can remove a huge burden of guilt from parents who may be blaming themselves for their child’s condition. In recent decades, researchers have proposed possible theories about ADHD causes. Some of these theories have led to dead ends, while others to exciting new avenues of research.
First off is the relationship of environmental agents and ADHD. Studies have shown a potential link between cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy, and the risk of ADHD in the offspring. As a precautionary measure, it is best to abstain from both cigarette and alcohol during pregnancy. Another agent in the environment, which may be related with a higher risk of ADHD, is high levels of lead in the bodies of young preschool children. Because lead is no longer allowed in paint and is found only in older buildings, exposure to toxic levels is not as widespread as it once was. Children living in older buildings where lead is still present in the paint or lead plumbing which has been painted may be at risk.
The relationship between ADHD and genetics has been perpetually discussed. Attention disorders often run in families, so it is likely that genetic influences are the cause of ADHD. Studies show that 25 percent of close relatives in the families of children with ADHD also have ADHD, while the rate is around 5 percent in the general population. Researchers continuously study the genetic contribution of ADHD, identifying genes that cause a person to be susceptible with ADHD.
The next suspected ADHD cause is brain injury. One theory is that the problems of attention disorders are caused by brain damage caused by trauma or injury. Some children who have had accidents resulting to brain injury may show signs of behavior similar to ADHD, but only a small percentage of children with ADHD were found to have suffered a head injury.
Lastly, food additives and sugar are thought to cause ADHD. It has been suggested that ADHD symptoms are caused by refined sugar or food additives, or the symptoms may cause exacerbation of the symptoms. It was found that diet restrictions aided those with ADHD, especially young children who have food allergies. However, recent studies on the effect of sugar on children, the use of sugar a day and a sugar substitute on alternate days, without parents, staff or children knowing which substance was used, showed no significant effect of sugar on behavior or learning. vyvanse 30 mg