Some of the possible causes of ADHD that scientists have arrived at include heredity, anomalies in the frontal lobe of the brain of the patient, abnormal neurotransmitters, and abnormal composition in the cerebrospinal fluid of the person. They say that heredity plays a role and it involves the DRD4 and DAT genes of the person. It also contributes to the risk of acquiring the condition. For example, according to studies, there is a 30% chance that the sibling, child or parent of a person with ADHD will also have the disorder. Another possible cause is the anomaly in the frontal lobe of the brain of the patient. Apparently, there is a minor difference in the frontal lobe of a normal person to that with ADHD. Researches saw that the frontal lobe of a person with ADHD has less gray matter than the average. There is an also relatively high level of Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter and low levels of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. This may have caused the excess behaviors and hyperactivity of your child.
Recently, there has been an addition to these possible causes. A new ADHD study has revealed that the culprit may be Lead. Lead, being a neurotoxin has been banned as an ingredient to fuels and paint. However, despite the ban over it, there are still traces of lead in almost everything around us. It has been discussed a while ago that anomalies in the frontal cortex of the brain and disruption in the genes of a person may lead to ADHD, and so, it may be true that lead can be a cause because of its effects to the brain. Apparently, when you have been exposed to the lead, the lead in your body will attach to the frontal cortex and striatum of your brain. While there, it will disrupt the activity of the genes. This is significant because gene activity shapes the activity and development of the regions of the brain. Then, it will alter the psychological processes and will result to diminished cognitive control. In other words, the alteration in brain activity by Lead causes symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and even inattention.
Having known this, you may want to share this to future parents that you know and you yourself may also check on your things at home and check for the possible lead content; that is, if you are still planning to have another child.
Puneet writes a blog about ADHD and helps ADHD sufferers to find new treatments in naturopathy and alternative medicine. If you are looking for a well-researched herbal remedy for ADHD, you may read more.
