Doctors usually write off ADHD causes as a matter of genetics and biology, but the environment we live in has a stronger impact on the disorder than we think. The food we eat, the air we breathe, and the activities we do affect how the body and mind functions, and can trigger any disorders we are genetically predisposed to. There is scientific basis for this theory; a recent study by Swedish researchers uncovered a link between socioeconomic factors and childhood ADHD.
The researchers looked at data from 7,960 children ages 6 to 19, and identified those with severe ADHD by their use of ADHD medication. Below are some of the socioeconomic factors that increase the risk of ADHD and that influence treatment options.
Gender
Researchers observed that boys are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. This is partly due to the fact that most people view ADHD in terms of its two most recognized symptoms - hyperactivity and impulsivity. Boys are more likely to display these behaviors than girls. However, there are other symptoms of the disorder - forgetfulness, disorganization, inattention - and they are more likely to be experienced by girls.
Single-parent families
Children are 54% more likely to take ADHD medication if they belong to a single-parent family, compared to those who lived with both parents at home. While there are many ways to treat ADHD naturally, doing so will require more commitment, time, patience, and financial resources from parents than using medication. The parent who has custody of the child may be working longer hours to support the family, which leaves them with little time to parent the child and follow through with natural treatments.
Welfare benefits
Families who have claimed their welfare benefits are 135% more likely to have a child with ADHD than those who have unclaimed benefits. Since ADHD is often genetic, it is likely that parents of the household have untreated ADHD themselves. The disorder may have affected their work performance and job prospects, forcing them to claim their welfare benefits. There is also a possibility that families on welfare do not have access to nutritious foods or live in a clean environment; research shows that nutrient deficiencies and toxic exposure increases the risk of ADHD in children.
Low maternal education
Mothers who have received basic education are 130% more likely to have a child with ADHD than mothers who have a college degree.
Dr. Yannick Pauli is an expert on natural approaches to ADHD and the author of the popular self-help home-program The Unritalin Solution. He is Director of the Centre Neurofit in Lausanne, Switzerland and has a passion taking care of children with ADHD. Click on the link for more great information about what is adhd.
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