1. Exploring Genetic Links
Your doctor may tell you about recent studies which have linked the development of childhood ADHD with mutations in the DRD4 gene. Some interesting and thought-provoking results have come from these studies, which have found that children with this specific gene mutation are much more likely to develop attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder than children without it. In addition, ADHD-affected children with this genetic mutation are likely to have a higher IQ than children who have ADHD but also have an intact DRD4 gene.
Beyond these recent findings, you're likely to encounter a great deal of information discussing the hereditary factors at work in ADHD. Scientists haven't, as of yet, been able to pinpoint an exact set of criteria that makes it possible to predict the likelihood that your child will develop ADHD. What they do know is that mothers and fathers with ADHD are far more likely to have affected children. Women with the condition are 25 times more likely to pass it on to their kids, while men are five times more likely to do so.
2. Possible Psychological ADHD Triggers
Brain structure and brain chemistry are two enormously significant factors in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. While genetics can be used to explain these deficiencies to some degree, you'll find that heredity is an incomplete explanation.
Consider whether your child has been exposed to significant amounts of upheaval, such as changing schools, moving or adjusting to divorce. These events seem to play a significant role in the onset of ADHD, and exposure to trauma of any degree also increases your child's risk.
You should also be aware that ADHD often accompanies oppositional-defiant disorder in many children. If your child suffers from the latter condition, you'll want to watch closely for possible signs and symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
3. Causes of Adult-Onset ADHD
You may have a late-onset case of ADHD which didn't manifest itself until you reached adulthood. Scientists estimate that anywhere from 1 to 5 percent of adults in the United States are affected, though they have not yet been able to pinpoint why some individuals don't develop the condition until later in life.
If you're diagnosed with a case of adult ADHD, you'll probably undergo a complete psychological analysis that will test for underlying conditions. Many adults with ADHD have coexisting anxiety or depression issues, though scientists are unsure whether these are causes, effects, both or neither. The prevailing notion among researchers is that genetics, altered brain chemistry and trauma are the primary root causes of all ADHD cases, in both children and adults.
