What Causes Add?

Many of the parents, as well as the children affected by
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), have been left wondering what
causes this frustrating and complicated disorder Unfortunately,
there is not a simple answer to this question
There has been much debate over the last few years as to the
causes of ADD; some have argued parental shortcomings, food
allergies, or neurological defects to be the cause When it
really comes down to it, no one knows for sure what causes ADD
However, through intense and thorough research, scientists have
been able to determine what does not cause the disorder, as well
as certain factors that seem to contribute to it
It should first be understood that good parenting, or lack
thereof, does not cause or prevent ADD Although many parents
will feel guilty about what they may have done to lead to the
disorder, these feelings are scientifically unfounded Likewise,
sugar, certain foods, and allergies have also not been shown to
contribute to Attention Deficit Disorder It has been
stringently disputed in the past that nutrition not only causes
ADD, but can be used to treat it; this, too, is untrue
So, what does cause ADD?
Attention Deficit Disorder definitely appears to be genetic and
neurological in nature Individuals and families with ADD are
more likely to have offspring that suffer the disorder as well
A great deal of research has been done studying the brains of
children with ADD and it would appear there is a link between
certain brain functions and the disorder
It has long been suspected that the brain may be the key to
unlocking ADD, as doctors have been aware of a decreased level
of dopamine in sufferers for years However, it was not until
recently that scientists discovered a difference in the neural
pathways of children with ADD as compared to their non-ADD
counterparts This is how messages are sent through the brain
and is manifested as an interference between parts of the brain
that regulate impulsiveness, attention, planning, and motor
control – all of which are key areas of concern in regard to ADD
As enlightening as this information is, much research is still
to be done to fully understand the connection between the brain
and Attention Deficit Disorder At this point, parents should
take comfort in knowing their actions did cause the disorder in
their children and that steps are being taken to understand and
treat ADD

Tags | attention, defects, feelings, functions, offspring, parenting, parents, pathways, research, scientists