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Examining ADHD Causes
By Mary Asomah...
Exact ADHD causes are unknown. Many experts believe that the evidence is mounting on the side of genetics as the main
contributor to causing ADHD.
But there are other theories about causes of ADHD. Some experts believe that a combination of more than one factor can
be attributed to causing ADHD.
Possible Causes of ADHD
Genetics
ADHD, which is a chemical imbalance that may cause a child to be hyperactive and impulsive, and also have difficulty
staying focused and keeping concentration, may be caused by genetics.
Some experts believe that genetics are ADHD causes because ADHD appears to run in some families, and people with ADHD
are found to have lower levels of dopamine in their brain, because of their genetic make-up.
Researchers in support of this theory are trying to determine a specific gene within a child's DNA that may cause ADHD.
Nutrition and Diet
Some experts believe that the foods we eat can aggravate ADHD behaviours. Sugar and food additives can cause abnormal
behaviour in some children suffering from ADHD behaviour, according to some experts.
A lack of certain nutrients also appears to aggravate ADHD symptoms, according to some experts.
A lack of omega-3 fatty acids in a child's diet can cause ADHD type behaviour, and fish oil supplements appear to
alleviate ADHD symptoms in some children, according to some experts.
A diet deficient in magnesium can cause common psychiatric problems like anxiety, depression and irritability.
There have been studies that have shown ADHD children to be deficient in common minerals, including magnesium, iron and
zinc. A diet rich in magnesium has been shown to have positive affects on ADHD behaviour.
Some experts believe that food allergies can attribute to ADHD causes. Supporters of this theory believe that ingesting
certain foods can cause an alteration to some children's brain function, and the allergic reaction manifests itself as ADHD
type symptoms and behaviours.
Sleep Deprivation
A child who has chronic poor sleep can have difficulty focusing their attention and can also have low tolerance for
expressing negative emotion; such as irritability, frustration and temper tantrums.
Chronic sleep deprivation can also result in a child having difficulty controlling their impulses and emotions. These
are all symptoms which could mislabel a child ADHD, when sleep is the actual culprit.
The Environment
Exposure to toxin in our environment is thought to be one of the ADHD causes, according to some experts.
Lead exposure has been suggested as a contributor to ADHD, as well as exposure to nicotine through maternal smoking.
Brain Injury
Brain Injuries can be causes of ADHD because damage to the frontal lobe of the brain can cause ADHD-like symptoms
in previously unaffected children, according to some research. The severity of the ADHD symptoms is dependant on the extent of the brain injury.
