Causes and Symptoms
The causes of ADHD are not completely understood, but studies of brain
function using positron emission tomography (PET) scans indicate that
the brains of children with ADHD may be structured differently from
those of children without the disorder. More specifically, some
researchers think that the parts of the brain that govern attentiveness do
not have normal levels of dopamine, a chemical produced by the brain
that allows nerve cells to transmit signals from one cell to another. The
fact that medications that stimulate the release of dopamine are beneficial
to children with ADHD supports this theory.
There are also genetic factors involved in ADHD even though no
specific gene has been identified as a cause of the disorder. It is known
that the disorder runs in families. The parents and siblings of children
with ADHD are two to eight times more likely to develop ADHD than
the general population.
Some researchers think that environmental toxins, particularly lead,
and a mother’s drinking or smoking during pregnancy are risk factors for
ADHD in the child. There is also some evidence that very low birth
weight or premature birth may be risk factors for ADHD. It is not known
whether the emotional climate in the child’s family contributes to the disorder,
although some doctors think that mood or anxiety disorders in
other family members may make the child’s symptoms worse. Other
unproven theories include the idea that ADHD is caused by head injuries,
allergic reactions to food additives, or a diet high in sugary foods.
Symptoms of inattentiveness related to ADHD include:
function using positron emission tomography (PET) scans indicate that
the brains of children with ADHD may be structured differently from
those of children without the disorder. More specifically, some
researchers think that the parts of the brain that govern attentiveness do
not have normal levels of dopamine, a chemical produced by the brain
that allows nerve cells to transmit signals from one cell to another. The
fact that medications that stimulate the release of dopamine are beneficial
to children with ADHD supports this theory.
There are also genetic factors involved in ADHD even though no
specific gene has been identified as a cause of the disorder. It is known
that the disorder runs in families. The parents and siblings of children
with ADHD are two to eight times more likely to develop ADHD than
the general population.
Some researchers think that environmental toxins, particularly lead,
and a mother’s drinking or smoking during pregnancy are risk factors for
ADHD in the child. There is also some evidence that very low birth
weight or premature birth may be risk factors for ADHD. It is not known
whether the emotional climate in the child’s family contributes to the disorder,
although some doctors think that mood or anxiety disorders in
other family members may make the child’s symptoms worse. Other
unproven theories include the idea that ADHD is caused by head injuries,
allergic reactions to food additives, or a diet high in sugary foods.
Symptoms of inattentiveness related to ADHD include:
- Failing to pay close attention to details; frequently making careless
mistakes. - Having difficulty paying attention to tasks for more than a few
minutes. - Appearing not to listen when spoken to.
- Not following through on instructions and failing to complete
homework or other tasks. - Having difficulty organizing tasks.
- Frequently losing pencils, books, or other items necessary to complete
homework or other tasks. - Being forgetful.
- Being easily distracted.
Symptoms of impulsiveness and hyperactivity include:
- Fidgets or squirms in seat.
- Leaves classroom seat and runs around.
0 Response to "Causes and Symptoms"
Post a Comment