ADHD is still a very controversial disorder, even though a considerable progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment this condition. There is much confusion due to the varied and sometimes contradictory opinions about ADHD. However, it is obvious that ADHD is a neurological disorder requiring medical diagnosis and treatment.
The cause of ADHD is still unknown, however specialists know that people with ADHD have some changes in the brains. And these changes are not caused by home or school situations.
According to scientists, there is a neurobiological basis for ADHD. Research conducted on the brain reveals that people with ADHD usually have an abnormal functioning of certain chemicals in the brain- chemicals responsible for regulating behavior. Scientists from the National Institute of Mental Health discovered that in ADHD patients the rate at which the brain uses glucose is reduced in some areas of the brain.
In some cases of ADHD also a genetic component may be involved. Studies have proven a more frequent occurrence of this disease in children having a family history of ADHD, conduct disorders, anti-social personality, and problems with addictions. According to the latest data in the Pediatric Annals, the child of a parent with ADHD is 25% more likely to experience this disease.
Another potential cause of ADHD is the existence of certain toxins such as lead in the environment. These toxins may interfere with the brain development in children and may possibly result in ADHD. Children living in old buildings in which lead is still used in the plumbing or in lead paint may also be at greater risk.
If a pregnant woman experiences high levels of anxiety, her baby will be more likely in the future to develop ADHD. Studies also reveal that the use of cigarettes and alcohol during pregnancy may increase the risk for a baby to get ADHD.
RECENT STUDIES
Despite the fact that specialists are not sure what causes ADHD, they have discovered that certain areas of the brain i.e. the frontal lobes and basal ganglia, are about 5% to 10% smaller in size and activity in children with ADHD. The frontal lobes makes us able to solve problems, plan ahead, understand the behavior of others, and restrain our impulses. The basal ganglia are in charge of motor coordination.
However, studies indicate that there is no evidence that ADHD results from:
* Consuming too much sugar or food additives– It used to be suggested that attention disorders are caused by refined sugar or food additives, or that ADHD symptoms are exacerbated by them. According to latest research, sugar has no considerable influence on behavior or learning in children.
* Allergies
* Immunizations or
* Brain injury– This early theory has been rejected because only a small percentage of children with ADHD have been found to suffer from a traumatic brain injury.
There is also almost no evidence that ADHD can result purely from social factors or child upbringing methods. The most substantiated causes seem to be neurobiology and genetics.
TREATMENT
ADHD symptoms can be treated and managed, if this disorder is properly diagnosed. People with ADHD have special needs, but the most important one is the need of understanding and support from family and friends. Treatment does not cure ADHD, but it can control the symptoms and help people to cope better at school, work and in social situations. They make it easier to stop and think about the consequence of a behavior.
ADHD medications are believed to work by acting on certain neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate motor control, attention, organization, planning and decision making. These medicines don’t teach new behavior, but allow a person to concentrate better, increase attention spans and reduce distraction. Treatments for ADHD include; psychotropic drugs, psychosocial interventions, dietary management, biofeedback, meditation, and perception stimulation/training.
TREATMENT IN CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS
The most effective form of treatment for children and adolescents is multidisciplinary treatment. This includes multiple elements that work best together and support each other. They include:
* Parent and child education about diagnosis and treatment
* Specific behavior management techniques
* Medication
* Working closely with physicians and school personnel.
TREATMENTS IN ADULTS
Adults with ADHD also benefit from a multidisciplinary approach which includes: counseling to learn skills, coping strategies to help in everyday life, medicines, support and education.
