The road followed on the way to finding the causes of ADHD has been one with many twists and turns. In this article we will explore the main causes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and tell you what the latest research has to say in regards to this elusive condition. Let’s be clear when we are talking about causes of ADHD we are not talking about things that make the condition worse such as excessive sugar intake, noisy or distractive work or school surroundings, or possibly nutritional deficiencies. No we are drilling down to the most fundamental cause or causes.
Our first stop on the road to finding the causes of ADHD is heredity. For years it was suspected that genetic factors were linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Research studies have continued to compile statistical information confirming that this is indeed the case. Let’s look at what the latest research is telling us. Randomly a child has about an 8 percent chance of being ADHD. If however that a child has a brother or sister with the condition that child’s chances rise to 30 percent. If a parent has ADHD the risk of their children being ADHD rises to about one out of two or 50 percent.
While heredity is important in our quest to find the causes of ADHD it is not the primary cause. The latest research seems to point to biological brain chemical imbalances in certain areas of the brain, specifically the dopamine rich prefrontal cortex. Brain scan research has identified this important area of the brain which plays a role in attention, impulse control, and self regulation as one problem area. The activity of the prefrontal cortex in those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is lower than their peers.
Imagine, for example, a football coach who was lazy and failed to get to the game until halftime. By this time his team was down by an insurmountable number of points. The halftime locker room setting was a disorganized mess full of hyperactivity and lack of focus. Upon arriving and seeing the score the coach simply turned around and went back home thinking that next week might be better.
This is a general example of what happens in the brains of ADHD children. But what causes this under activity?
The most recent research suggests that it is a problem of balance between the activities of two, possibly three, neurotransmitters; norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. When too much norepinephrine is at work, a person becomes agitated, and can pay attention only to things that may be considered threats or targets of opportunity. When dopamine is in control, repetitive actions are seen, and a person doesn’t get bored doing the same things over and over again.
In summary, the causes of ADHD are the brain chemical messengers norepinephrine and dopamine along with heredity. Certainly the next question after identifying the main causes of ADHD is what can be done? The default treatment method is that of stimulant medications such as Ritalin or Adderall. While these drugs are very effective they do come with their share of side effects leading many parents to search for natural alternative ADHD treatments such as homeopathy. Homeopathic remedies for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are very safe and have shown to be an effective way to manage such problematic ADHD symptoms as erratic behavior, inattention, distractibility, and hyperactivity. If you have been searching for a non prescription natural alternative ADHD treatment for either yourself or your child this is an area worth considering.
Rob Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field of natural health and wellness. Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at Purchase Remedies.com
