| Many of the parents, as well as the children affected | | | | So, what does cause ADD? |
| by Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), have been left | | | | Attention Deficit Disorder definitely appears to be |
| wondering what causes this frustrating and | | | | genetic and neurological in nature. Individuals and |
| complicated disorder. Unfortunately, there is not a | | | | families with ADD are more likely to have offspring |
| simple answer to this question. | | | | that suffer the disorder as well. A great deal of |
| There has been much debate over the last few years | | | | research has been done studying the brains of children |
| as to the causes of ADD; some have argued parental | | | | with ADD and it would appear there is a link between |
| shortcomings, food allergies, or neurological defects to | | | | certain brain functions and the disorder. |
| be the cause. When it really comes down to it, no one | | | | It has long been suspected that the brain may be the |
| knows for sure what causes ADD. However, through | | | | key to unlocking ADD, as doctors have been aware |
| intense and thorough research, scientists have been | | | | of a decreased level of dopamine in sufferers for |
| able to determine what does not cause the disorder, | | | | years. However, it was not until recently that scientists |
| as well as certain factors that seem to contribute to it. | | | | discovered a difference in the neural pathways of |
| It should first be understood that good parenting, or | | | | children with ADD as compared to their non-ADD |
| lack thereof, does not cause or prevent ADD. | | | | counterparts. This is how messages are sent through |
| Although many parents will feel guilty about what they | | | | the brain and is manifested as an interference |
| may have done to lead to the disorder, these feelings | | | | between parts of the brain that regulate impulsiveness, |
| are scientifically unfounded. Likewise, sugar, certain | | | | attention, planning, and motor control - all of which are |
| foods, and allergies have also not been shown to | | | | key areas of concern in regard to ADD. |
| contribute to Attention Deficit Disorder. It has been | | | | As enlightening as this information is, much research is |
| stringently disputed in the past that nutrition not only | | | | still to be done to fully understand the connection |
| causes ADD, but can be used to treat it; this, too, is | | | | between the brain and Attention Deficit Disorder. |
| untrue. | | | | |