Causes of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders (ADHD) are childhood related psychiatric problems that prevails worldwide and in 3-5% of the US population. In identifying the disorder the researchers have looked into 3 elements that seem to be out of sorts in an affected child.

• Inattention
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity

Inattention is being demonstrated by poor concentration ability while doing the class work, avoiding such activities requiring more mental processing, lot of unfinished work, forgetful and easily distracted as well as does not seems to be listening when spoken directly. These children are unable to be in one place and seem to be driven by a motor. They talk excessively most of the time and could not be seated at one place when it is expected to do so and finds impossible to do leisure activities quietly. These symptoms likely suggest hyperactivity. Impulsivity is displayed when the child intrudes disrupts or intrudes on others, difficult to wait for the turn and answers questions even before the question is finished.

Even though the symptoms are such it is not possible to make a diagnosis unless the symptoms are present continuously for more than 6 moths and it significantly affected childs school performance or daily living.

The researchers on the ADHD are not fully agreed on what exactly is the cause for this disorder. Almost all suggest a genetic linkup with the disorder and this has been proved to an extent by the fact this disorder runs in families. Apart from the genetic theory many other theories have also been suggested and researched.

Some researchers have identified certain links between the brain structure, functioning of chemicals in the brain regulating attention and activity as well as difference in the functioning of parts of the brain that regulate attention and impulsive behaviour.

Another suggested contribution in developing this disorder is maternal consumption of cigarettes, alcohol and medications during pregnancy. A metallic ingredient 'lead' is also associated with the disorder mostly when exposed during pregnancy.

Research has failed to identify a significant link between ADHD and food, especially sugar in causing the disorder.

Another theory explaining the growing out of the disorder by some children suggests, certain areas in the brain starts to develop about 3 years late in a affected child and following the development of the brain the children grow out of the disorder.

All in all, the disorder is very common and can be seen in many children even though ADHD symptoms usually last more than 6 months and cause problems in various settings. If there is persistence of the symptoms and if improvement seems unlikely, it is necessary to seek professional advice in managing such children.