What Causes ADHD? - Discussion

What causes ADHD?

The cause of ADHD is not precisely known. There are a variety of hypotheses that implicate factors ranging from genes to culture to sex.

Although there has been a fair amount of research done on what causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there have been no adequately suggestive findings. Because neuro-imaging technology is not as advanced as theoretical medicine, the idea that ADHD is routed in biochemical or neurological activity has not been corroborated. Still, there are a number of things with which ADHD has been linked, suggesting that they may contribute to its development.

What causes ADHD? In observing the brain through functional imaging, researchers have collected data that implicates a few different aspects of brain activity. There is a possible link between brain structure and ADHD, as well as differences in the function of certain areas of the brain (namely, those that affect attention and impulse control.)

Additionally, because dopamine and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters) are thought to regulate attention and activity, many believe that they are related to ADHD.

Aside from research done on brain activity, are there other findings on what causes ADHD? Indeed, studies have shown links between a number of factors and the development of ADHD.

Research suggests that exposure to lead may cause symptoms associated with ADHD. Also, the use of cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs during pregnancy may increase the fetus’ risk for later developing ADHD. Moreover, although many parents believe certain foods (sugary foods or those with a great number of additives) cause increased hyperactivity, they have not been shown to cause ADHD - although, admittedly, they are probably not the best dietary choices to make. According to a study done by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), restricted diets only help about 5% of children with ADHD, the majority of which are either very young or have food allergies.

In discussing what causes ADHD, it is important to note that there is considerable disagreement about the legitimacy of the ADHD diagnosis. A number of experts point to our changing cultural and familial landscape as a reason for the nearly epidemic rise in ADHD diagnoses; these people also express their belief in the psychosocial elements of the disease, lamenting the attribution of ADHD to biological factors.

In an article that appeared in The British Journal of Psychiatry, Sami Timimi wrote, “By conceptualising problems as medically caused we end up offering interventions (drug and behavioural) that teach ADHD-type behaviour to the child. ADHD causes ‘tunnel vision’ in the system, making it more difficult to think about context, leading to interpersonal issues being marginalised. ADHD scripts a potentially life-long story of disability and deficit, resulting in an attitude of a ‘pill for life’s problems’.”

It is indeed important to note that the long-term effects of many ADHD medications are not precisely known, and moreover, that a few of them are known to be quite addictive (this is best discussed with your physician, if you are considering starting an ADHD medication).

Like many disorders of a psychiatric nature, our capacity to understand what causes ADHD is somewhat limited by technology. Even so, research has provided us with indicators as to what underlies this disorder.

Because we don’t necessarily know that biological imbalance is what causes ADHD, there has been a considerable amount of controversy surrounding the frequency with which prescriptions are given for this disorder. It is important to explore all options in choosing a treatment plan for ADHD. As we learn more about ADHD, the causes will emerge, and in turn, the treatments will become more specified.

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