The Cause of Adhd May be Closer Than You Think
25 Jan 2010
The cause of ADHD in your child can be traced back to the family. The condition is genetically based, which in simple terms, means your child may have inherited some of your nervous system genes. Even though conditions at home or school can contribute to it, they are not considered ADHD causes.
There have been many scientific studies that link physiological attributes to the cause of ADHD. These include gene makeup, absorbing toxic ingredients, trauma to the brain, and reactions to some food additives.
* The makeup of your genes:
Look at other members of your family. Did you know that even though three to five percent of kids are diagnosed with ADHD, twenty five percent of an ADHD child’s relatives will also have the condition. Scientific studies have even revealed the specific genes that have been linked to the cause of ADHD!
 * Toxic ingredients:
If you consumed alcohol or used tobacco products while you were pregnant, and you have an ADHD child, studies have indicated a possible link. A Â fetus will absorb these toxic substances which certainly can’t be good. If your child has been around building structures that are old, he may have been exposed to lead poisoning. Some of these toxic ingredients have been labeled as potential ADHD causes. When I was growing up on a farm, my Dad exposed me to DDT which is now banned in the USA. Maybe that contributed to my ADHD, and then my son’s.
 * Brain trauma:
Most kids, thankfully, don’t fall into this category, but certain types of brain trauma can bring on ADHD symptoms. Scientific studies have shown that when an ADHD child and a NON-ADHD child had brain scans, or an MRI, there were some differences in certain areas of the brain. This would seem to show that the brain has something to do with the cause of ADHD.
 * Food additives:
About ten percent of ADHD children show reduced symptoms when their sugar and additive intake have been reduced. Now here is somewhat of a surprise. While most of us, including me, tend to associate sugar with hyperactivity, there was no difference when kids were given either sugar or a sugar substitute. That means that sugar doesn’t play a role in ADHD symptoms.
However, since a lot of people have it in their heads that sugar causes ADHD symptoms, they may see more symptoms after a child has some sugar. Studies show that parents who believe that their kids have been given sugar (when they have actually been given a substitute) are just as likely to say that ADHD symptoms have worsened as parents of children who are given actual sugar.
But even if it is only perceived, a reduction in sugar intake (or high fructose) can only be beneficial.
A very recent study has found that preservatives and food coloring, which can be found in soft drinks and junk food, greatly increase hyperactivity in children. So make sure you watch what they are putting into their bodies.
Remember, ADHD causes children to behave in unsatisfactory ways, but it doesn’t have to be this way. It is a highly treatable condition. There are prescription drugs that are effective for the symptoms, natural remedies which attack the root of the condition, dietary control, and behavioral therapy. Do your research and then do what is in your child’s best interest.
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Diana Ketchen
http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/the-cause-of-adhd-may-be-closer-than-you-think-724035.html
3 Responses
will b
2010 Jan 25 1Anyone prescribed adderall for ADD/ADHD and have it cause more problems than the diagnosis itself?
I was diagnosed with ADD about 6 years ago after going through high school, college(didn’t finish), technical school, and my career wondering why I just can’t seem to concentrate on more than 1 task at a time. The second i take my mind off the task at hand, it’s a miracle if i can remember what i was just doing. I’m actually surprised i’m typing right now and staying on the subject. Anyway, my life had become a living hell once i began to take adderall. At 1st i thought it was the greatest thing because i could complete something once i started it. Most of my life, that was nearly impossible. But then i needed more and more or it wouldn’t work. It never made me high, as a matter of fact, it would make me feel pretty crappy if i took it too many days in a row. I always needed a day or two without it for it to even come close to working. I became addictec to it. Not for the high, as crazy as that sounds, but because i thought i functioned better on it. Everyone around me would beg to differ. I won’t get into what i have gone through and what i’ve lost in the past 6 years, but i had everything i wanted when i had ADD and took nothing for it. But when i tried to fix what i thought was a real problem in my life, i realize i never knew what problems were. Until now that is. I stopped taking it although i still have some that i keep "just in case". But i haven’t taken it for the past 6 months. Why i was able to stop after my life went into turmoil, but kept taking it as i watched my life spin out of control, still has me guessing. I blame myself and take full responsibility for everything that has come into my life. I brought the stuff into my life and continued to take it knowing it was literally destroying me. I am actually grateful for being alive and my life is beginning to get back on track. Has anyone else had a bad experience on this stuff? I know my situation is extreme and i hope i can help someone else avoid what i went through and still deal with due to the aftermath of an addiction. I always had great will power and i see that in myself again. But for a while there i was out of control. It kind of snuck up on me. I just felt like briefly sharing my story and hope to hear other people with stories of thier own that can relate. Thanks - Will
audrey.merten
2010 Jan 25 2i understand what you mean.
I have ADD/ADHD too and know what you mean by not being able to comcentrate on anything ever. I just got perscribed to Adderal and it seems to be working alright for me, but i never seem to want to eat or sleep.
it doesnt feel good, but i cant afford to drop out of college so it seems like the only option thusfar.
BUT the only reason i’m on adderall currently is that i’ve tried othe medications and they didnt work for me, but they might work well for you, like strattera (its not a stimulant like adderall)
also, it seems like your having alot of anxiety so maybe seeing a psychiatrist would help with that. they, along with your medical doctor, can help you decide whats best to treat your problem.
hope i helped.
References :
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/adhd_medications.htm
this website might be helpful
Kevin S
2010 Jan 25 3Is it possible that the events in your life are not related taking the medication for the ADD? You have some other situation or stressors that may be causing the problems?
Most people who have taken Ritalin or do take it or the other drugs such as Concerta, Adderall and etc. usually will not receive a high and taking the drug. Their chemicals react differently than those who do not have ADD and try to take the drug and may get high or buzz off of it.
Some people only take ADD medication when they need it and they know they need to concentrate others take it every day and then go a few days without taking it, is called a holiday from the drug.
I had been on Concerta and Ritalin for almost six years straight and have not had any side effects except slight weight loss and loss of
hunger.
I would try to get back to your Dr. and explain how you’re feeling and how you feel your life is going and maybe you need something in addition to the ADD medication to take. You may have another situation where another drug would help you as well.
Getting to your doctor and discussing things is the best thing to do because he knows about you, your situation and the medications you take.
References :
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