ADHD Risks - Possible ADHD Causes And Factors
ADHD and the issue of gender
According to the statistics, this disorder is found in boys more often than in girls. However, this might not provide the full picture, as some studies suggest ADHD can be underdiagnosed in females. Most studies that were conducted used males as their subjects, which may have caused this confusion. A serious scientific research says girls that ADHD causes just the same symptoms in girls as in boys; females also develop the same conditions.
ADHD in Adults
The common opinion of ADHD is that it occurs mainly in kids. However, Attention Deficit Disorder continues to be found in more and more adults. If we take a look at some statistical data, Ritalin – the most common of ADHD meds – was prescribed to approximately 250,000 adult patients in 1992, and to 800,000 patients 5 years later. In 2005 it was estimated the disorder occurs in 4.1% of people from 18 to 44 years old.
ADHD alternative explanation
Development of ADHD may greatly depend on genetic predisposition. It has been found that members of the family of ADHD patients are more often affected by the same disorder, can experience anxiety, mental and antisocial disorders (bipolar disorder, for example), in comparison with relatives of children not having ADHD. Another study shows that in 90% of cases twin brother or sister of the ADHD sufferer develops the same condition.
Genetic Factors Contributing to the Disorder in the Early Man. Many studies are based on examining genetic mechanisms and role of dopamine (a chemical - neurotransmitter - intermediate compound in the synthesis of noradrenaline). Genes involved in the regulation of receptors of dopamine and associated with desire for adventure, danger and novelty have been detected in many people suffering from ADHD and other mental disorders. These genetic patterns are believed to have emerged thousands of years ago in the early men. At that time, such a condition could be seen as more of an advantage, rather than illness, as it gave more opportunities in finding healthy mates, hunting for food and exercising power within the tribe or community.
Thyroid Hormone Genetic Resistance. If a person has genetically conditioned resistance to thyroid hormone, it’s very likely he or she will experience ADHD (70% for kids and 50% for adults). Thyroid hormone is vital for normal development or brain cells, so people who have ADHD and are resistant to the hormone have more complicated cases of the illness. While the disorder itself is not the reason for ADHD, people with family history of thyroid hormone resistance run serious risk of developing ADHD. Therefore, this kind of resistance can be listed among the possible ADHD causes.
Facts about diet ADHD patients should consider
Poor nutrition of infants very often contributes to the development of ADHD. Attention-deficit disorder is the most common condition that children can experience if they didn’t receive enough nutrients with food, even though the situation improved later.
Zinc and Essential Fatty Acids Deficiency.
As some food factors are believed to be connected with developing ADHD, such aspects as fatty acids deficiency, food sensitiveness and others have been studied.
The probability of connection between ADHD and fatty acids deficiency has been reported by some scientists. Other findings suggest connection between the disorder and the deficiency of zinc. Fatty Acids are broken down with the help of zinc molecules, and dopamine, associated with ADHD, is affected.
However, the evidence does not clearly confirm the connection between nutrition and ADHD.
The Factor of Environment
The studies show that ADHD and other mental disorders may be contributed to by exposure of the fetus to toxins, lead, alcohol and tobacco.
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