ADHD: Environment

0
9K


In addition to genetics, some environmental factors might play a role in causing ADHD. Alcohol intake during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders which can include ADHD or symptoms like it. Children exposed to certain toxic substances, such as lead or polychlorinated biphenyls, may develop problems which resemble ADHD. Exposure to the organophosphate insecticides chlorpyrifos and dialkyl phosphate is associated with an increased risk; however, the evidence is not conclusive. Exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy can cause problems with central nervous system development and can increase the risk of ADHD. Nicotine exposure during pregnancy may be an environmental risk.

Extreme premature birth, very low birth weight, and extreme neglect, abuse, or social deprivation also increase the risk as do certain infections during pregnancy, at birth, and in early childhood. These infections include, among others, various viruses (measles, varicella zoster encephalitis, rubella, enterovirus 71). At least 30% of children with a traumatic brain injury later develop ADHD and about 5% of cases are due to brain damage.

Some studies suggest that in a small number of children, artificial food dyes or preservatives may be associated with an increased prevalence of ADHD or ADHD-like symptoms, but the evidence is weak and may only apply to children with food sensitivities. The European Union has put in place regulatory measures based on these concerns. In a minority of children, intolerances or allergies to certain foods may worsen ADHD symptoms.

Individuals with hypokalemic sensory overstimulation are sometimes diagnosed as having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), raising the possibility that a subtype of ADHD has a cause that can be understood mechanistically and treated in a novel way. The sensory overload is treatable with oral potassium gluconate.

Research does not support popular beliefs that ADHD is caused by eating too much refined sugar, watching too much television, parenting, poverty or family chaos; however, they might worsen ADHD symptoms in certain people.

Search
Categories
Read More
Jai Alai
ChatGPT Jai Alai: The Thrilling Basque Sport Making Waves
In the world of sports, where fast-paced action meets precise skill, few games can match the...
By Dacey Rankins 2024-06-28 22:27:37 0 16K
Financial Services
Explicit and implicit costs and accounting and economic profit
Key points Privately owned firms are motivated to earn profits. Profit is the...
By Mark Lorenzo 2023-04-24 18:42:05 0 10K
Financial Services
Aggregate demand in Keynesian analysis
Key points Aggregate demand is the sum of four components: consumption,...
By Mark Lorenzo 2023-03-15 17:18:10 0 13K
Social Issues
Goodfellas. (1990)
The story of Henry Hill and his life in the mob, covering his relationship with his wife Karen...
By Leonard Pokrovski 2022-11-14 19:06:17 0 23K
Business
What Is a Business Biography?
A business biography is a detailed account of a person’s career and professional...
By Dacey Rankins 2024-12-27 15:56:10 0 10K
image/svg+xml


BigMoney.VIP Powered by Hosting Pokrov