General Information on Attention Deficit Disorder

Causes of Attention Deficit Disorder?

The symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder are caused by a neurological dysfunction within the brain. Several studies using PET scans have confirmed that there is a definite difference in brain functioning between a group of individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and those without it. The underlying physiological mechanism which causes Attention Deficit Disorder is still not thoroughly understood and remains under scientific study. It is presumed that brain chemistry is out of balance and that specific chemicals called neurotransmitters may be lacking in individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder. In two research studies, when the Attention Deficit Disorder subjects were given their medication and rescanned, their brain activity appeared to be much more like that of the normal group. Another interesting finding of these studies is that the areas of the brain in the Attention Deficit Disorder group where brain activity was lower than in the normal group are known to be associated with such functions as attention and concentration as well as planning and organization. These are the very functions that are impaired in persons with Attention Deficit Disorder. PET scans are considered to be very invasive because they involve the injection of radioactive material into the individual and therefore are not appropriate for diagnostic purposes. To date only two studies of Attention Deficit Disorder using PET scans have been conducted.

Attention Deficit Disorder may be either inherited or acquired. Recent research in genetics has definitely shown that Attention Deficit Disorder runs in families. The specific chromosomes that are involved have not been fully identified though more clues are being discovered as research progresses. Like many other disorders, a child may have the symptoms while his parents may not. Usually there are aunts, uncles, grandparents or cousins with the disorder.

Attention Deficit Disorder may be acquired through various conditions that cause insult (damage) to the brain. During pregnancy and delivery these include the use of drugs during pregnancy, toxemia, infectious diseases, overexposure to radiation, prematurity, complicated delivery. After birth these include meningitis, encephalitis, seizures from fever, head injury and lead toxicity. Excessive use of sweets does not cause Attention Deficit Disorder though it may make the symptoms worse for some individuals who already have the condition

Since many children with Attention Deficit Disorder appear to "outgrow" the condition it can also be looked at as a developmental disorder. Some children seem to develop the ability to pay attention and concentrate later than others just as there is a wide range to timing for developing the ability to walk, talk or be potty trained. In the past, children with Attention Deficit Disorder and other learning disabilities were labeled as "underachievers" in their younger years and then reclassified as "late bloomers" when their development in this area finally caught up with their peers.

Today, many adults look back and realize they had a learning disability or Attention Deficit Disorder as a child which they may or may not have been able to overcome. Some people with Attention Deficit Disorder become very successful. However, others continue to have significant symptoms as adults. Some were not able to adapt or compensate on their own and did not receive any help from teachers, parents or professionals. These individuals often dropped out of school and may today be social drop outs of one kind or another. It is for this last reason that children who exhibit signs of Attention Deficit Disorder or learning disabilities should receive all the help necessary and available to spare them the frustration and anguish often associated with these conditions.

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