Part 1: Help! My Child has ADHD! Where did it Come From?!
Brain Function
People with ADHD have a smaller brain volume in the five subregions than those without. It is also said that the amygdala and the hippocampus are smaller in people with ADHD, which are responsible for emotional processing and impulsivity.
There have also been findings that say there is a decreased blood flow to certain prefrontal areas in charge of organization and focus. There can also be a dysregulation in dopamine where messages are having trouble being passed along in the brain.
Genetics
ADHD is also said to run in families. One-third to one-half of parents could have a child with ADHD. If one parent has ADHD, there is a 50% chance that your child will inherit the mental health condition. If your first-born child were to have ADHD, there is a 30% chance that your next child could have it, too.
Environmental Factors
While environmental factors may not be the sole cause of your kid getting ADHD, they could be a contributing factor. A pregnant woman who drinks alcohol or smokes tobacco has a good chance of causing their child to get ADHD. The same is true if a baby is born early or had a low birth weight.
Your child may also have been exposed to mercury, lead, pesticides, or other chemicals when growing up. Certain chemical substances could be responsible for hyperactivity, impulsivity, and not paying attention.
What Does Not Cause ADHD
There are many rumors circulating about the root causes of ADHD. By dispelling these myths, you will not have to feel guilty about how you brought up your child. Some say watching too much television, playing too many video games, or eating a lot of sugar could be the causes of ADHD. That could not be further from the truth. Of course, too much of doing one thing is never good. So, you always want to make sure your child is doing a balance of a lot of activities.
How to Manage ADHD
If genetics plays a role in your child inheriting ADHD, there is no stopping it. But, there are environmental factors you can change. If you are pregnant with your child, stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and chemical substances your child can be exposed to.
You can also make sure that your child is partaking in daily physical activities like playing sports or being with their friends instead of sitting by a screen. Make sure they get plenty of sleep and turn off any electronic devices before it is time for bed. Speaking to a therapist about any challenges your child is going through and taking medication will help them live with ADHD.
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