Today there is an increase of awareness of Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, consequently this has led to a
better understanding for children and adults who once were considered a
family or social problem.
As previously discussed, ADHD children
generally have a hard time coping with schooling or adults who have a
hard time sticking with a particular job. However, society has grown to
understand that such individuals are dealing with serious problems that
stem from the condition of ADHD than can be treated. Although, the
majority of society does not understand what causes Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder. What they do understand is that ADHD is a very
complicated condition, which stems from many different elements.
It
is important to discuss what does not cause ADHD, before discussing
what does cause such a condition. A multitude of unrelated ADHD myths
abounds and confuses many people as to its origins. Here you will find
a list of disputed assumptions considered by research.
1. Diet -
This assumption dates back to the 70's as it was considered that
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is caused by sensitivity or
allergy to certain types of food, for the most part baby food.
Although, no research in decades past proves this claim to be a cause
of ADHD. The rumor that increased intake of foods like sugar tends to
make children impulsive and hyperactive has been reinforced by the
media. No relation between the intake of sugar and the behavior of
children and their learning patterns has been established by clinical
research.
2. Hormonal Imbalance - Although hormones do influence
the moods and behaviors of an individual, hormonal imbalance does not
cause ADHD. Keep in mind that there has not been any substantial
connection between an ADHD episode and hormone levels. Hormones may be
at play while causing individuals to be out of focus or impulsive at
various times but they do not cause ADHD and its many other symptoms.
3.
Vestibular or Balance Problems - Research of the past has determined
that learning and behavioral problems stem from the vestibular system
of the brain, which controls a proper balance. The proposed treatment
at that time for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder was that of
motion sickness. However, over the years of research has not proven the
relationship of the vestibular system and ADHD. There has been no link
found between the two.
4. Family Life and Parenting - Many
individuals attribute poor parenting or family problems as the cause of
the disorder, since the symptoms Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder involve behavioral problems. However, the parents have not
raised these ADHD children poorly not do they come from ADHD
dysfunctional families. For instance, an ADHD child is not encouraged
by its parents to misbehave at school and not sit still. Rather their
behavior can still be hard to manage even when receiving the proper
disciple from their parents and perhaps even more, but since their
problem also has neurological components.
5. Excessive Television
Viewing - Popularly seen as a cause for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder is television. Although research has shown that viewing
violence on television can increase aggression in children may be
comparable to the hyperactivity and impulsiveness in patients of ADHD,
however such behavior is not synonymous to ADHD. In reality, research
has proven that the amount of time-spent viewing a television show is
not different from that of children of the same age group.
People
can now focus on the more plausible causes of Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder, since these other factors play no part in
causing ADHD. Research shows that the majority of the factors are found
in prenatal, genetic and neurological factors. Knowing what does not
cause, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder helps many individuals
to understand what really causes the condition. Studies still have not
determined a specific origin of ADHD. Nevertheless, with more research,
the mystery of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD may
soon surface.