Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may find themselves ostracized by peers, penalized by teachers and chastised by parents who perceive their disruptive actions to be simple misbehavior. Adults with ADHD may suffer through self-doubt and depression, endure employment and relationship disasters, and resort to drugs and alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate against the symptoms of the disorder. In reality, ADHD is not a character flaw, but a medical condition caused by circumstances beyond the sufferer's control.
Altered Brain Structure
According to the Mayo Clinic, there appears to be an identifiable relationship between ADHD and changes in the anatomy and function of the brain. These structural changes could be hereditary, or the result of head trauma causing brain injury.
Environmental Toxins
The Mayo Clinic notes that exposure to environmental toxins during the pre-school years has been linked to the occurrence of ADHD. Lead and PCBs are mentioned as two of the possible toxic substances in the environment that can disrupt the normal development of the brain.
Maternal Drug Use
A pregnant woman who chooses to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or use drugs puts her unborn child at risk for ADHD, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Use of intoxicants, especially cocaine and crack cocaine, can reduce the production of neurotransmitters necessary for the conduction of signals between neurons in the brain.
Heredity
A familial connection seems present in most occurrences of ADHD. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that in most cases, both identical twins will have ADHD rather than just one of them. Fathers who have ADHD also have children with ADHD in one-third of all cases. Most children with ADHD share the condition with at least one close family member.
Prenatal Complications
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted a relationship between premature birth, low birth weight and perinatal complications and the occurrence of ADHD. Continuing studies are necessary to more clearly identify the risk factors and causes of ADHD, however. Investigation into the hereditary, maternal and environmental causes of ADHD should be conducted through ongoing population monitoring and research.
