What is the cause of ADHD?
In September 2010, Scientists from Cardiff University, writing in The Lancet, found a genetic link to ADHD, saying that it was a brain problem like autism, not a result of bad parenting or too much sugar and additives.
They analysed stretches of DNA from 366 children who had been diagnosed with the disorder. Comparing them with DNA from 1,047 people without the condition, they found that 15% of the ADHD group had large and rare variations in their DNA – compared with 7% in the control group.
However, other scientists point out that this still leaves a majority of sufferers with no proven genetic link, and therefore it must be due to other factors, including environment. I believe the predominant reason is retained reflexes, which happens for a variety of reasons (Why are reflexes retained?).
Explaining ADHD myths
Some people maintain that ADHD is caused by sugar and additives in food. Although these substances can temporarily cause hyperactivity in children, however, they are metabolised within approximately 30 minutes of consumption, after which behaviour returns to normal. Nevertheless, while this is not the sole cause of ADHD, many ADHD children are particularly sensitive to certain foods, and you may find that their behaviour deteriorates after eating them.
Other people believe that ADHD is due to a lack of discipline and too much time playing computer games or watching television. While such views are simplistic, they are not without foundation. The child who is allowed to run riot or watch TV and play computer games all the time is constantly bombarded with images and sounds that stimulate the Moro and Stimulus Bound reflexes, thus creating evermore attention deficit and hyperactivity. Equally, if you take away these stimuli, and put the child in a quiet room with no peripheral sounds or visual triggers, they are more able to focus.
However, it is difficult to live a full life without outside stimuli, and limiting computer and television usage is only a coping mechanism. With the Mulhall Integration Programme we treat the disorder at the root by removing the childhood reflexes that are causing the problem, thus freeing both children and adults with ADHD to function to their full potential in the normal world.
