The causes of add and adhd and depression in children are not entirely known in all cases. But it is generally agreed by the medical and scientific experts and researchers that ADHD is biological in nature - not a psychological problem. Many scientists believe that it actually results from a chemical imbalance in the brain. Much of the research carried out so far suggests that genetics plays a major role in ADHD as it certainly does appear to run in families.
When it comes down to the actual causes and effects of add and adhd in children the most likely cause of ADHD is believed to be genetic, but other causes have been implicated as well. for instance history of alcoholism, drug abuse and other mood disorders in families seems to be associated with an greatly increased risk of ADHD. Although these enviromental factors probably only account for less than 20% of ADHD cases.
Conclusions of the possible causes adhd
Almost all the research done around the world seems to indicate that, for the most part, ADHD is a genetic disorder causing a chemical balance in the brain, with a small number of cases perhaps cuased by other environmental causes. However ADHD is an often misdiagnosed illness so all the figures from research need to be taken with a grain of salt. It has been reported in media that in some kintergarden classes up to 60% of children are taking prescription ritalin - it is unlikely that all these children are in fact suffering from adhd!
Sunday, 8 July 2007
Friday, 6 July 2007
Warning signs of ADHD
There has been much talk about listing signs of ADHD but you should be careful when using such lists. ADHD diagnosis is difficult, in fact many experts disagree on the best methods for attention disorder definitions - never mind treatments!
Basically the lists you will see on many Internet sites of ADHD signs could all be seen in "normal" children at times. All the symptoms - as you can imagine - revolve around signs of hyperactivity, problems with attention span and staying focused, lack of patience, social interaction problems and impulsive behavior. Which child does not suffer from one or all of these symptoms at some point?
The main difference between acceptable variations in children's behavior and possible signs of adhd or attention deficit disorders, are the severity of the symptoms and also the timescale. For instance many children will have periods of bad behavior or not paying attention in class and this in itself is not a sign of ADD. However if these hyperactive problems or traits continue over a period of time, perhaps getting worse and actually cause social problems for the child with possible long term implications, then this may be indeed a sign of an attention deficit problem and should be investigated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Basically the lists you will see on many Internet sites of ADHD signs could all be seen in "normal" children at times. All the symptoms - as you can imagine - revolve around signs of hyperactivity, problems with attention span and staying focused, lack of patience, social interaction problems and impulsive behavior. Which child does not suffer from one or all of these symptoms at some point?
The main difference between acceptable variations in children's behavior and possible signs of adhd or attention deficit disorders, are the severity of the symptoms and also the timescale. For instance many children will have periods of bad behavior or not paying attention in class and this in itself is not a sign of ADD. However if these hyperactive problems or traits continue over a period of time, perhaps getting worse and actually cause social problems for the child with possible long term implications, then this may be indeed a sign of an attention deficit problem and should be investigated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
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