Causes Of ADD.

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The symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder are caused by a neurological dysfunction within the brain. Several studies using PET scans have confirmed that there is a definite difference in brain functioning between a group of individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and those without it. The underlying physiological mechanism which causes Attention Deficit Disorder is still not thoroughly understood and remains under scientific study. It is presumed that brain chemistry is out of balance and that specific chemicals called neurotransmitters may be lacking in individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder. In two research studies, when the Attention Deficit Disorder subjects were given their medication and rescanned, their brain activity appeared to be much more like that of the normal group. Another interesting finding of these studies is that the areas of the brain in the Attention Deficit Disorder group where brain activity was lower than in the normal group are known to be associated with such functions as attention and concentration as well as planning and organization. These are the very functions that are impaired in persons with Attention Deficit Disorder. PET scans are considered to be very invasive because they involve the injection of radioactive material into the individual and therefore are not appropriate for diagnostic purposes. To date only two studies of Attention Deficit Disorder using PET scans have been conducted.

Attention Deficit Disorder may be either inherited or acquired. Recent research in genetics has definitely shown that Attention Deficit Disorder runs in families. The specific chromosomes that are involved have not been fully identified though more clues are being discovered as research progresses. Like many other disorders, a child may have the symptoms while his parents may not. Usually there are aunts, uncles, grandparents or cousins with the disorder.

Attention Deficit Disorder may be acqui...