ADHD- Causes

        The cause of ADHD is unknown though many theories, many of them controversial, have been put forward. Despite the limited knowledge of the causes of ADHD, it is usually accepted that there is a biological cause and not a psychological one, as there is no clear relationship between the ADHD affected individual's upbringing and ADHD.

        It is usually considered a myth, though these are common misconceptions, that ADHD is NOT caused by:

• the child's upbringing
• too much sugar
• too much television
• food additives

        Other theories about the cause of ADHD are:

• abnormalities in brain function
• genetics
• environmental toxins
• drug use during pregnancy

        For abnormalities in brain function, there has been a study that found that in the ADHD affected subjects in the study, the regions of the brain that control attentiveness used less glucose (glucose is the brain's primary source of energy, so measuring the amount used indicates brain activity) then the non-ADHD afffected subjects. Though this path of research looks promising, the cause of less glucose usage is unknown and more research must be done.

        Genetic influences are reflected in that research shows that it is common for ADHD to run in families. For example, one-third of fathers who have or had ADHD bear ADHD affected children. In addition, most twins share the trait of ADHD. Yet, there are not yet any genes identified in causing ADHD or increasing susceptibility to ADHD.

        It has long been known that environmental toxins may disrupt typical brain processes and/or development. Lead, present in some old waterpipes and paint, is such a toxin. Yet, few cases have been found of lead causing ADHD like traits.

        Much research supports that drug use during pregnancy may damage the unborn child. The substances in drugs affect the activity and development of the brain. For instance, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or FAS, is caused by heavy alcohol injestion during pregnancy and many FAS affected children exhibit ADHD like traits, such as hyperactivity.

        All of these factors may contribute to causing ADHD but the definite cause of ADHD remains anonymous.




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