Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common health problem in many children across the world. Knowing why kids develop ADHD can go a long way in preventing it.
With that in mind, this article will discuss some of the known causes of ADHD in children.
#1 Risky Prescription Medication
One of the most common causes of ADHD in children is a risky prescription medication. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, over half of all pregnant women take some form of prescription medication during their pregnancy. However, this can lead to serious side effects in the child, which can include ADHD.
The riskiest medications are those that contain any amount of amphetamine or methylphenidate (Ritalin). These medications have been linked to heart defects and other physical malformations in newborns. They also pose a high risk for addiction and dependence in both parents and their children.
Acetaminophen is another drug that is known to cause ADHD in children, and the Tylenol ADHD lawsuit proves just that. Tylenol has been found to cause complex developmental disorders in children when consumed by their pregnant mothers. This pain relief drug has been called out by the public, and Johnson & Johnson is currently having to deal with the lawsuits surrounding this drug.
#2 Genetics and Heredity
While ADHD is most often caused by environmental factors, it can also be the result of genetics and heredity. This is because ADHD has a genetic basis, meaning that it is passed down from one generation to another. The genes that contribute to ADHD are believed to be located on several different chromosomes, although it’s unclear which specific genes are responsible for the disorder.
ADHD is not always inherited from one’s parents. In fact, it only occurs in about 30% of children if both parents have the disorder. However, if both parents have ADHD, there is a 75% chance that their child will develop the condition at some point in his or her life.
#3 Premature Delivery
Premature delivery is the most common cause of ADHD in children. If you have an infant or toddler who was born prematurely, you should be extra careful to watch for signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The brains of premature babies are not fully developed, which can lead to learning disabilities and developmental delays.
The best way to prevent a premature delivery is by getting plenty of rest and staying away from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco during pregnancy. If you do suffer from premature delivery, talk to your doctor about ways to help your child deal with ADHD.
#4 Injury to the Mother
Injuries to the belly can cause ADHD in children.
One of the most common causes of ADHD in children is injuries to the belly. If a pregnant woman gets injured during pregnancy, it can lead to ADHD in her child, even if the injury doesn’t seem severe. Injuries to the belly include car accidents and falls, among others.
If you’re pregnant and have been injured, it’s important to visit your doctor right away so they can help you with any potential complications that might occur as a result of your injury.
A report in the British Journal of Sports Medicine recommends pregnant women limit their daily physical activities. Every week, 150–300 minutes of lightweight physical activity is more than enough for them, given that they have an uncomplicated pregnancy. However, the activities must be put to a halt the moment they’re feeling unwell or complications like vaginal bleeding start.
#5 Consumption of Alcohol and Tobacco When Pregnant
One of the most common causes of ADHD in children is exposure to alcohol and tobacco when pregnant. The effects of these substances can be devastating and long-lasting, and you must know about them.
Alcohol can cause damage to your baby’s brain, heart, and lungs. It can lead to birth defects and developmental disorders such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). In addition, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in premature birth, low birth weight, or even miscarriage.
Tobacco use during pregnancy is also dangerous for your baby. Tobacco smoke contains nicotine and other harmful chemicals that can enter your bloodstream and pass through the placenta into your baby’s bloodstream. This has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, or stillbirths (death at birth).
Research published in the JAMA Network Open shows that smoking during pregnancy can harm a child’s brain development. This can lead to the kid growing up developing further neurological problems.
As for alcohol, BMC Medicine finds that it can change the embryo’s gene functioning when consumed during pregnancy. As a result, chances are high that kids born under such circumstances will also develop physical and mental disorders while growing up. Not to mention, these kids are also at risk of developing ADHD.
To conclude, as a mother, you should be aware of these causes of ADHD in children and take necessary measures to prevent it from happening at all costs.
