ADHD is a condition that affects children and adults across the globe. According to Healthcentral.com a classroom with 30 students will have between 1 and 3 children with ADHD, and one fourth of children with ADHD have serious learning disabilities such as: oral expression, listening skills, reading comprehension and/or math.
According to scientists at Cardiff University, children with ADHD are more likely to have segments of their DNA missing or duplicated. There is a clear genetic link between the same segments and other neurological disorders.
The scientists analyzed the genomes of 366 children, all diagnosed with ADHD. They found that children with ADHD are more likely to have a parent with the condition. Also, a child whose identical twin has the syndrome has a 75 percent chance of having ADHD.
People often believe that ADHD is developed as a result of poor parenting or a bad diet. However, the disorder is actually one of the most common child mental health disorders. Children who have ADHD are very restless, impulsive and easy distractible. They often experience difficulty learning. Treatment typically includes medication and behavioral therapy.
The findings will help scientists gain a better understanding of the disorder, which could lead to a better diagnosis and improved treatment options.
According to a study published in Journal of Neuroscience, high levels of dopamine make people more likely to act on impulse. Dopamine is the chemical in the brain involved with reward, motivation and learning through reinforcement. This finding may better explain disorders such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is characterized by high levels of dopamine and extremely impulsive behavior.
Scientists already know that sensory inputs such as smells, sights, sounds, anticipation and neutral cues associated with rewards boost dopamine levels and cause people to act more impulsively. However, this research helps understand why disorders associated with abnormal dopamine levels can lead to impulsive behavior.
Before scientists can prescribe medication lowering dopamine levels, they must be certain that the medication does not impair other important functions. Dopamine is responsible for a wide range of function in the brain, from movement to cognition.
