A frequent neurodevelopmental issue that impacts the growth and development of the brain is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood and adolescence, however symptoms can persist into maturity.
The three main signs of ADHD are impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. Although these symptoms are occasionally experienced by everyone, people with ADHD exhibit these persistent behaviors for more than six months. Over time, ADHD may make it challenging to finish assignments, focus in class or at work, and engage with people.
There is uncertainty regarding the precise etiology of ADHD. Research on the causes of ADHD is still being conducted, though. According to current research, a mix of hereditary and environmental variables may raise the likelihood that you or your kid may acquire
Hazard Contributors
According to recent studies, there is rarely a single risk factor that causes ADHD. A combination of environmental and genetic variables may contribute to the development of ADHD. Additionally, research indicates that a number of genetic and environmental variables may interact to increase the likelihood of having ADHD.
Hereditary
ADHD researchers believe that genetic variations (changes) play an important role in brain development. Your genes can make proteins that affect different parts of brain development, such as the creation, growth, and organization of neurons (or nerve cells). If you have a gene mutation or change, your brain and brain cells may not work properly. As a result, genetic changes can affect the brain.
- It provides instructions that help nerve cells communicate with each other.
- It makes or controls neurotransmitters (or chemical messengers that help the brain pass information from one cell to another).
- It controls the connections between neurons (also called synapses).
In other words, these disturbances can affect the way you think, act, and manage your environment. However, much more research is needed to better understand which genes are associated with ADHD and how genetic factors interact with environmental changes to lead to the development of ADHD.
Aspects of Non-Genetic Risk
Scholars are now investigating potential non-genetic variables that may increase the likelihood of developing ADHD. These elements might consist of, but are not restricted to:
- Exposure to poisons such as lead, alcohol, or secondhand cigarette smoke during pregnancy (before delivery)
- During pregnancy or childbirth, the birthing parent may have been under high stress, have hyperthyroidism, or have taken acetaminophen and valproate (a medication used to treat seizures).
- Early birth or low birth weight
It's crucial to remember that many fallacies exist regarding the origins of neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD. Despite what you may have heard, evidence refutes these theories as potential causes of ADHD. Among these misconceptions are:
- Consuming excessive amounts of sugar
- Using artificial flavorings and colorings in food
- excessive television watching
- Poor parenting practices
- Family disarray
- Lack of resource
In some circumstances, these elements may exacerbate both the symptoms of ADHD and other illnesses. However, there isn't any proof from science that these things directly cause ADHD.
Does ADHD Run in Families?
It seems that ADHD runs in families. Your chances of having ADHD are approximately nine times higher than those of people without a family history of the disorder if you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or other close relative) who has been diagnosed with the disorder.
Remember that having a family history of ADHD does not ensure that you will experience symptoms of the disorder throughout your life; it only raises your likelihood of doing so.
ADHD Affects Who?
While ADHD may affect anybody, some populations are more prone than others to get a diagnosis of the illness. The following variables might make it more likely that you'll be diagnosed with ADHD:
Age: The age range of children with ADHD is typically 3 to 17 years old.
Ethnicity: Compared to Asian and Hispanic children, black and white children are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD.
Biological sex assigned: Boys receive an ADHD diagnosis more often than girls do. However, this does not imply that men are more likely than women to experience ADHD. Research on ADHD has traditionally focused on young males. Boys and girls may show different symptoms of ADHD, according to new studies (for example, boys may show higher hyperactivity whereas girls may display greater inactivity). Further research is needed to accurately understand how symptoms present in women and girls.
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