Attention Deficit Disorder(ADHD) is a neurological disorder affecting the parts of the brain involved in helping someone focus, plan and execute various tasks. Today, the condition is one of the most studied and common conditions in children. Having an adolescent child with ADHD can be heartbreaking and frustrating. They are smart, but ADHD makes it difficult for them to put their potential into practice. Fortunately, if you or your child have Flowood ADHD, treatments such as behavior therapy and medications are available. But what are the causes of ADHD? The exact cause of ADHD is yet to be fully understood, but a combination of factors is believed to be responsible. Here is an exclusive look at the potential causes of ADHD.
Genetic Factors
According to statistics, about 44% of kids with ADHD have parents who exhibit this condition’s symptoms. This means that parents with ADHD are highly likely to get kids with ADHD. However, the specific genes linked with ADHD are not yet identified. Scientists say there is a likelihood of multiple genes being involved because of how complex this condition is.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury in early childhood has been associated with the development of psychiatric disorders. ADHD is the most common of these disorders, with a prevalence of up to twenty percent. Statistics show that one in every five children who gets traumatic brain injury will develop ADHD. Symptoms normally start within a few years after injury.
Tobacco Or Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
Several studies associate the use of tobacco and alcohol during pregnancy with an increased risk of causing ADHD in the child. There is a possibility that exposure to particular substances increases the risk of brain abnormalities which might result in ADHD in children. Also, refraining from smoking and alcohol consumption in pregnant mothers will help avoid other well-established health risks such as low birth weight, premature birth, and fetal alcohol syndrome.
Exposure To Environmental Toxins
Chemical exposure and other environmental toxins can interfere with the development of the brain. Lead poisoning can be particularly harmful to children. Research studies show that even low lead exposure levels can potentially cause ADHD. Other environmental toxins, including perfluorinated compounds, have been linked with ADHD. The risk of exposure starts during pregnancy and all through to childhood years.
Premature Birth or Low Birth Weight
Premature-born kids have a high likelihood of developing ADHD. This is also the trend in babies with low birth weight. But while being born prematurely can affect brain development, this does not mean that all premature babies will eventually be diagnosed with ADHD. Also important to note is that some factors related to ADHD, such as smoking during pregnancy, can raise the likelihood of premature delivery or babies with low birth weight.
Ultimately, these are the potential causes of ADHD. However, the evidence of the specific cause of this condition is not inclusive; hence, you should also focus on understanding ADHD better. Whether you are an adult with ADHD symptoms or a parent of a kid with ADHD, understanding more about the condition and its possible treatments is essential. With a better understanding of ADHD, it will be easier to develop strategies and mechanisms that can effectively manage the symptoms.