ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and affects about 11% of children in the US. ADHD is a chronic condition, which may lead to several problems during childhood and adulthood, e.g., alcohol and drug abuse, failure in school, or problems keeping a job. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity). ADHD has three subtypes: 1) predominantly hyperactive-impulsive; 2) predominantly inattentive; and, 3) combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive.
The different sub types are categorized based on the following:
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
- Most symptoms (six or more) are in the hyperactivity-impulsivity categories.
- Fewer than six symptoms of inattention are present, although inattention may still be present to some degree.
- Predominantly inattentive
- The majority of symptoms (six or more) are in the inattention category and fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present, although hyperactivity-impulsivity may still be present to some degree.
- Children with this subtype are less likely to act out or have difficulties getting along with other children. They may sit quietly, but they are not paying attention to what they are doing. Therefore, the child may be overlooked, and parents and teachers may not notice that he or she has ADHD.
- Combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive
- Six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present.
- Most children have the combined type of ADHD.
Scientists are not sure what causes ADHD, although many studies suggest that genes play a significant role. A potential link also exists between cigarette smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and ADHD in children. In addition, preschoolers who are exposed to high levels of lead, which can sometimes be found in plumbing fixtures or paint in old buildings, may lead to a higher risk of developing ADHD. The idea that refined sugar causes ADHD or makes symptoms worse is a popular belief, but there is more research now that discounts this theory than supports it. In one study, researchers gave children foods containing either sugar or a sugar substitute every other day. The children who received sugar showed no difference in behavior or in learning than did those who received the sugar substitute. Another study in which children were given higher than average amounts of sugar or sugar substitutes showed similar results. Recent research that comes from England indicates a possible link between consumption of certain food additives like artificial colors or preservatives, and an increase in activity that is associated with ADHD.