1. Scientists Focus on Dopamine Genes
Much of the scientific inquiry into the genetic causes of ADHD focuses on the genetic processes involved with the production and distribution of dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical produced by the brain which is thought to play a central role in the regulation of many emotions and behavioral processes. If you have relatively low levels of dopamine in your brain, the chances that your child will also have lower levels sharply increase. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder has been linked to low dopamine levels.
2. Parents, Children and the Likelihood of ADHD
If you had ADHD as a child, or if you suffer from the disorder as an adult, the likelihood that you'll pass it on to your child multiplies. Some studies suggest that children of ADHD mothers are 25 times more likely to develop the disorder than children whose mothers are unaffected. Fathers, however, are only five times more likely to pass it on, for reasons that aren't fully understood.
3. Treatments That Focus on Genetic Research Findings
Some new drug treatments developed to respond to the genetic causes of ADHD have been approved. Ask your child's doctor about atomoxetine, a new pharmaceutical that selectively blocks certain brain chemicals to create a more optimal balance in the patient's brain chemistry. It has shown considerable promise in the treatment of ADHD. However, scientists have yet to find genetic mutations in the genes responsible for the affected brain activity, so treating ADHD this way is inexact. These cutting-edge treatments have, in many cases, not been in use long enough for reliable long-term data to be compiled. You might choose more traditional treatments if immediate, proven results are desired. This includes the use of stimulant-based drugs and, in some cases, antidepressants.
