ADHD is an absolute factor with environmental and genetic factors in pregnant women. It has nothing to do with parenting.
-------- Author: Yuanxi
We mentioned the types of brain development abnormalities in ADHD, so what factors can cause abnormal brain development?
Alcohol and tobacco intake during pregnancy
Maternal alcohol and tobacco intake during pregnancy has been shown to cause abnormalities in certain parts of the brain, such as the caudate nucleus and the prefrontal lobe region of the brain.
Studies have shown that mothers of children with ADHD consume more than twice as much cigarettes during pregnancy as in the normal group.
Of course, passive exposure to smoke, i.e. second-hand smoke, also puts the fetus at risk.
The same is true for alcoholism, where the amount of alcohol consumed by the mother during pregnancy is directly related to the severity of inattention and ADHD symptoms in children aged 4-7 years.
Lead exposure
Lead damage to the fetus or children's nervous system is more obvious, and children with excessive lead can cause the risk of inattention and hyperactivity.
The body's sources of absorption of lead are mainly diet, atmosphere and skin contact.
Therefore, whether pregnant women or children, pay more attention to the usual lead intake.
For example, do not eat canned food, pine blossom eggs, popcorn, etc.
Vegetables and fruits are washed several times to prevent the ingestion of lead residues from pesticides.
In addition, pregnant mothers use whitening skin care products and makeup less.
Heredity and ADHD
Genetic factors in ADHD are more pronounced, and in general, blood relatives of ADHD children are more likely to have other psychological problems--- especially depression, alcoholism, behavioral problems, and the ADHD itself.
Specific genetic factors in ADHD can cause developmental problems in the prefrontal cortex, caudate nucleus, and other areas of the brain.
These gene loci have an impact on brain function, including building nerve cells that help them migrate normally, supporting nerve cells, identifying neurotransmitters, and more.
For example, the genes DRD4 and DAT1 have a significant effect on the sensitivity and delivery rate of dopamine.
Common misconceptions
In addition to lead intake, eating sugar, hormones, etc. does not directly cause ADHD.
Watching TV and playing games does not directly lead to ADHD, but these can have a worse effect on ADHD.
Parenting problems, family environment can not directly lead to ADHD (this is different from many domestic views), but ADHD can in turn affect parent-child relationships and parenting problems.
The problem of sensory system in early childhood in late infancy does not indicate how much it is related to ADHD, and sensory system training is also ineffective against ADHD.
Draw the point
Physiological factors (abnormal brain development) are most closely related to ADHD.
So far, studies have shown that the genetic role of ADHD is far greater than the influence of environmental or purely social factors.
Children with ADHD have delayed brain development and reduced brain activity, especially in the prefrontal region – the core part of the brain that is involved in a person's executive function and self-control, persistence in treating tasks and goals, resistance to distractions and control of their own level of activity.
Purely social factors (poor parenting styles and child management skills) are more common in ADHD families.
But these are not the causes of ADHD. It is because of the misconduct of children with ADHD that they have encountered parents who do not have the professional to learn how to discipline ADHD.
This article is edited by experts
Source Creek Teacher / California Public Gordon College - Master of Psychology
· Professional member of the American ADHD Association (CHADD).
· Registered psychological counselor of the Chinese Mental Health Association
· Teen Instructor
· Power hypnotist