What The Real Cause of ADD / ADHD?

It is only natural that once you are told that your child
has ADHD you will want to know what the cause of it is.

Unfortunately, there are no simple answers.

Recent research indicates that ADHD could be caused by a
developmental failure in the brain circuitry that underlies
inhibition and self-control.

This loss of self-control in turn reduces the ability to pay attention, and the ability to defer immediate rewards for later, greater gain.


Studies conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health in the United States has found that the right pre-frontal cortex of the brain, two basal ganglia and the vermis region of the cerebellum are significantly smaller in those with ADD.

These are the very areas of the brain areas that are the ones that regulate attention.

Genetics is also a significant factor in the development of ADHD. If you or your spouse has ADD, then the chances of your child having it increases dramatically.

Other factors that may predispose a child to ADD are:

• premature birth,
  
• maternal alcohol and tobacco use,
• exposure to high levels of lead in early childhood
  
• and brain injuries, especially those that involve the prefrontal cortex.

But even when put together, these factors can account for only between 20-30 % of ADHD cases among boys; among girls, they account for an even smaller percentage.

At one point, people believed that a poor home environment wasthe cause of ADHD. However, the latest research findings increasingly point to biological causes for the
disorder. (Although a poor environment can make ADD / ADHD symptoms more apparent)

Common sense tells us that not all children from unstable or dysfunctional homes have ADHD. And not all children with ADHD come from dysfunctional families!

Parents, especially moms, can heave a sigh of relief that this is something that is not their fault.

Another pet theory was that refined sugar and food additives make children hyperactive and inattentive. As a result, parents were encouraged to stop serving children foods
containing artificial flavorings, preservatives, and sugars.

However, data from a later study lead scientists to conclude that the restricted diet only seemed to help a small percentage of children with ADHD, mostly either young children or
children with food allergies. However I think that with todays high sugar, refined diets, diet always remains a viable option for treatment. If it doesn't work, then you can always try something else. And besides, a more nutritious diet can only benefit your child.
The C3 Program is a wonderful start. Simple, easy to understand and easy to implement as well, it has made a positive difference in the lives of many ADD kids.


In addition, ADHD hasn't been scientifically proven to be caused by too much TV, food allergies or poor schools.


But there are many ADD experts who feel that these are strong contributing factors. Whist they may not cause ADD, too much TV, food allergies and poor teaching methods can make an existing condition of Attention Deficit Disorder WORSE.

Regardless of the cause of ADD / ADHD you still have to do something to address the condition.
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