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- What is ADHD?
- Symptoms of ADHD
- Causes of ADHD
- Prevention of ADHD
- Risk factors for ADHD
- Complications of ADHD
- When to see a doctor about ADHD
- Diagnosis of ADHD
- Conventional treatment of ADHD
- Alternative/complementary treatment of ADHD
- Living with ADHD
- Caring for someone with ADHD
Research shows that there are some risk factors associated with the development of ADHD in a child.
Some of these risk factors are unpreventable:
- Genetics - families who have children that have ADHD have a higher risk of those children producing their own children who also have ADHD
- Neurotransmitter problems - scientists theorise that some children with ADHD have a problem with the way they metabolise the neurotransmitter dopamine and possibly also the neurotransmitter norepinephrine too; on the other hand, children with ADHD that do not have the hyperactivity may have excessive histamine production in their brain that could be the root cause of their symptoms
- Excessive testosterone production - studies show that there is a link between excessive levels of testosterone and the diagnosis of ADHD; this has lead scientists to suggest that this could be a possible reason why ADHD is much more common in boys than girls
- Essential fatty acid metabolism - some children (and adults) with ADHD may have a problem with the way their body metabolises essential fatty acids (EFA), such as the omega-3 EFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); this can then result in a deficiency in this nutrient which can display in the symptoms associated with ADHD
- Vaccinations - there is some evidence (although there is conflicting evidence against it) that the MMR vaccine for rubella (German measles) is linked to a higher incidence in Autistic Spectrum Disorders (and ADHD is just one of them)
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Some of these risk factors are entirely preventable:
- Drinking alcohol during pregnancy - studies show that women who drink while they are pregnant (and quite possibly also when they are breastfeeding) are increasing their chances of having a child who has ADHD. In fact, there is a condition called foetal alcohol syndrome which can develop in the unborn child of a mother that drinks during her pregnancy, that causes a whole range of behavioural problems that are very similar to ADHD (inattention, lack of control, learning difficulties) and may actually be misdiagnosed as ADHD
- Smoking during pregnancy - studies show that women who smoke while they are pregnant (and quite possibly also when they are breastfeeding) are increasing their chances of having a child who has ADHD
- Exposure to lead - these days, with more focus on the environment, most cars run on unleaded petrol and most paints do not contain lead like they used to, but some children are still exposed to high levels of lead if they live in an older house (which hasn't been renovated and still has the lead paint), have old cots (that may have been painted with lead paint) or live or go to school on a busy road in a large city. These children will be exposed to lead almost on a daily basis and could then display symptoms of ADHD. Exposure to other heavy metals (mercury, cadmium especially) have the same effect as lead and should also be avoided
- Essential fatty acid deficiency - some children who have ADHD may have an essential fatty acid deficiency (omega-3 essential fatty acids); children with ADHD often display symptoms that are very similar to omege-3 EFA deficiency - behavioural problems, lack of concentration, learning difficulties, sleep problems, mood problems and would benefit from having more of this vital nutrient in their diet. Studies show that Western society as a whole seems to be lacking in omega-3 EFA in their diet and so children with a predisposition to ADHD suffer even more if their diet is lacking this nutrient
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< 4: prevention of ADHD 6: complication of ADHD > Last reviewed: 7 October 2007 || Last updated: 3 January 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
