Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder also referred to as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is a mental disorder accompanied by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. At Emoneeds, you can contact the best mental health specialists and receive the best treatment and care for managing ADD through live online consultation sessions.
In this Emoneeds blog, you will learn more about ADHD and the main causes of it. The treatment approaches are also concisely specified for additional assistance. Therefore, get to reading right away!
Factors Leading to Attention Deficit Disorder
The following factors are responsible for inducing ADHD in an individual:
Genetic Factors
Genetic factors have an immense role to play in the development of this mental health disorder. Here’s a more detailed insight into how genetic factors influence the development of Attention Deficit Disorder:
Family History
Since this disorder is primarily passed on from generation to generation, individuals with a family history of ADD have greater possibilities of nurturing this complication compared to individuals with a clean record. If you are concerned about developing it, you can talk to the specialists at Emoneeds and get adequate guidance on the role of family history in triggering ADD, along with the preventive measures to follow.
Gene Mutations
Genetic mutations can largely stimulate this mental health disorder. Variations in the dopamine receptor genes and serotonin transporter genes can lead to fluctuations of neurotransmitter regulators in the body, thereby triggering ADD. You can completely trust our mental health specialists at Emoneeds to get comprehensive guidance on the connection between genetic mutations and Attention Deficit Disorder.
Twin and Adoption Studies
According to the twin and adoption theories, a prominent link has been generated between related family members like the parents, offspring, and twins in acquiring this mental health condition. The twin studies explain that it is more likely for identical twins to develop ADD as compared to non-identical twins or siblings. Also, the adoption theory states that the biological parents of adopted children with ADD are always likely to have this disorder.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors like prenatal exposure, prenatal factors, childhood and adolescence factors, social conflicts, and environmental toxins can lead to the development of ADD. Here’s a more detailed approach to each of the factors:
Prenatal Exposure
Exposure to substance abuse during the prenatal stage is largely responsible for triggering Attention Deficit Disorder. One of the major risk factors during the prenatal stage is maternal smoking, which can lead to the alteration of fetal brain development from nicotine. Since fetal brain development is essential for accurate attention and impulse control, excessive stress or substance abuse can interfere with the brain’s chemistry.
Prenatal Factors
Babies having a premature birth or low birth weight are more prone to developing ADD since these factors can greatly contribute to disrupting normal brain development. The child may undergo severe alterations in the neurotransmitter regulations and brain structure. Such factors can also increase the possibility of chorioamnionitis.
Childhood and Adolescent Factors
Not only in the prenatal stage, but substance abuse during childhood and adolescence can also greatly trigger ADD. Excessive screen time with poor diet and exercise can make a child develop Attention Deficit Disorder either in their early years or adult phase.
Social Conflicts
The social environment also has an immense role to play in the development of this mental health complication. If a child is exposed to harsh social settings, that is, a family of unhealthy relationships and increased conflicts, it may generate this issue. Therefore, it is best to keep a child away from parental conflict, stress, and bullying family members. Inconsistent parenting styles, along with social isolation, are also unhealthy for a child, thereby leading to this disorder.
Environmental Toxins
Exposure to environmental toxins such as lead, mercury, pesticides like organophosphates, herbicides, etc can greatly hamper brain development, thereby sowing the seeds of Attention Deficit Disorder.
Neurological Factors
The following neurological causes are responsible for triggering ADD:
Brain Chemistry
Dopamine and serotonin are greatly responsible for regulating mood, controlling impulses, and inducing healthy sleep patterns. If the level of dopamine and serotonin in the brain fluctuates, it can hamper the following functions and induce Attention Deficit Disorder. This mental health condition also comes with side effects like sleep disorders and increased anxiety and stress. Emoneeds has the best team of mental health specialists who can cater rightly to your concerns. Please consult us at the earliest and get the most trusted solutions for coping with disruptions in brain chemistry.
Brain Regions
Undoubtedly, every region of the brain is equally significant for the proper functioning of the human body and mind. Abnormalities in brain regions thus can affect one’s healthy living and trigger ADHD. The prefrontal cortex functions to make prominent decision-making, the basal ganglia functions to induce accurate motor control, and the cerebellum is responsible for motor coordination and learning. Disruptions in the brain regions can thus induce ADHD.
Other Potential Factors
Besides the above-mentioned factors, the other potential factors responsible for causing Attention Deficit Disorder are thyroid problems, nutritional deficiencies, poor lifestyle habits, lack of exercise, excessive exposure to electromagnetic fields, asthma, diabetes, and anemia. However, we at Emoneeds offer extensive help for managing this mental health issue, no matter the cause. Therefore, reach out to our specialized team and avail yourself of the best treatment, collaborative care, and empathetic approach to dealing with ADHD.
Interplay Between Factors
It is also important to note that since ADHD is a complex mental disorder, it is not necessary to have only one underlying cause. Often, the interplay between multiple factors, such as genetics, environmental issues, neurological disorders, etc., can lead to the development of this complication. Talking to our mental health specialists will help you understand the cause of your concern much better and will enable you to receive appropriate treatments for effective recovery and management.
Diagnostic Procedures for ADD
Some of the diagnosis procedures available for ADD are as follows:
Medical History
The initial assessment always involves evaluating and analyzing the patient’s medical history to detect anomalies in behavior or family history.
Questionnaires
Standardized questionnaires such as the Vanderbilt Assessment scale are utilized to gather adequate information on the patient’s condition.
IQ Tests
IQ tests are conducted to determine the patient’s cognitive ability and the key areas of concern. At Emoneeds, we have catered for the best IQ tests conducted by experienced professionals for determining accurate results.
Treatment Approaches for Attention Deficit Disorder
The following treatments are applicable for patients with ADHD:
Medications
Medications like stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants can be prescribed by your doctor to regulate mood and elevate focus and attention. Get in touch with our affiliated mental health doctors at Emoneeds and avail yourself of the best-personalized medications to effect recovery.
Behavioral Therapy
Various behavioral therapies can help facilitate improved attention and better social skills, and reduce negative patterns. Depending on your requirements, your doctor may suggest behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral modification, social skills training, etc.
Lifestyle Modifications
Integrating lifestyle changes like consuming a balanced diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, establishing proper hygiene habits, practicing relaxing and mindfulness techniques, establishing accurate sleep cycles, etc can help with ADHD. At Emoneeds, you can learn more about the essential lifestyle modifications that can help with this mental health disorder.
Final Words
Besides the treatment approaches mentioned above, such as lifestyle modifications, behavioral therapy, and medications, incorporating strategies and accommodations such as breaking lengthy tasks into small and manageable segments, using planner tools, opting for flexible work schedules, etc., can also help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. For enhanced help and empathetic care, reach out to Emoneeds, the best platform for coping with mental disorders.
