Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Causes & Prevention

Causes of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

GENETIC

A definite neural basis exists which causes adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Genetics plays a huge role in determining who will have ADHD, and who will not. For instance, in identical twins, it is 66% likely that if one twin has ADHD, the other twin also will; where-as for fraternal twins, the percentage decreases to 28%.

In reviewing items which are attributed to heredity the following behaviors are interesting to note: The heritability estimate for ADHD is higher than for schizophrenia, depression/mood disorders, or intelligence. Indeed, ADHD’s heritability estimate is almost the same as for height.

Causes of ADHD are Unclear, But Several Factors May Play a Role

Parenting is not the cause of ADHD, as was once believed. Evidence now points to structural changes in the brain as a leading cause, with environmental factors often worsening the symptoms (see our section on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity).

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.

The Chemical Timebomb that has started to explode

Investigative journalist Randall Fitzgerald, author of "The Hundred-Year Lie: How Food and Medicine Are Destroying Your Health" believes that "There's a chemical bomb in your body - and it's about to explode."