ADHD Causes - Who's at Risk?

The issue of what causes ADHD has been much debated and research on risk factors for ADHD is still ongoing.  Since we started being aware of this disorder, we have had to rethink many of our ideas regarding ADHD causes.  

In trying to understand and determine who exactly is at risk for developing ADHD, it's important to note that there is no simple and direct answer.  Whatever role played by genetics, environment, injury, and even parenting practices is still not a settled issue.  Different researchers have differing opinions. 

However, there are some known risk factors for ADHD and we will touch on them below.

Demographics Factor

Are there are particular groups of people who have higher risk factors when it comes to developing this disorder?  The most obvious one is that boys are far more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD.  In fact, according to statistics, boys have as high as 5 times a greater tendency to get ADHD.  However, with new  diagnostic methods, they are revealing that more girls have this disorder than we had previously discovered.

As for other factors like ethnic group or culture, it does not seem to show any particular risk pattern. However, ADHD will be more often diagnosed in developed societies or at least in societies where children attend a regular school.

Genetics Factor

Although based on diagnosis, it would seem that we are having a serious problem that is approaching epidemic proportions, experts have pointed that there's no genetic epidemic so to say new research may reveal that there are some genetic components in this risk profile, other than that of gender.

You can probably observe yourself that ADHD has been running in some families.  However, experts have not yet proven that an actual gene is being responsible. I would think that it could also be due to parenting practices or other aspects of the environment that may come into play.  In a family, childen are brought up in similar manner, so it is possible that they may suffer similar problems. 

Environment Factor

The role of the environment factor is still undergoing research.  There is no solid explanation or model for explaining this although of late, there are some distinct possibilities of how certain environmental may lead to greater chances of kids developing ADHD.

It is believed that the environmental factors may play a role in increasing the risk of ADHD, even before a baby is born.  Research have so fat indicate a possible connection between factors like smoking, drinking, and drug abuse in the development of the disorder later on.

Things like exposure to pesticides has been implicated strongly.  In 2010, a highly-publicized study showed the possible correlation between pesticide exposure and  ADHD in children.

Exposure to other dangerous substances like lead may also play a role, especially in younger kids.

Experts interested in natural health have also implied that artificial colors, flavors,  and some food additives may also be responsible for triggering ADHD in kids. Nevertheless, all agree that a healthy diet will help to some extend in preventing ADHD. It is thus important for children to practice healthy eating habits so as not to be at a greater risk for ADHD.

Injury Possibilities

So far, researchers have also found that babies who suffer head injuries are much more likely to develop ADHD than other children who are not injured.   More research is needed for a clearer conclusion.

Parenting Methods

Research have shown in many places around the world that certain parental behaviors are often seen in families where there are kids with ADHD. But it's uncertain as to whether the parenting style was a result or was a factor that exacerbate the disorder.    

So the question is, did the ADHD in the children created similar parental reactions and styles? It may be a while before we actually find out for sure what are the actual ADHD causes.

 

ADHD Causes