Its causes

The Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavior disorder commonly characterized by the presence of three basic symptoms:
• Distraction
• Emotional and motor impulses
• Hyperactivity (hyperkinetic).

This scenario was originally attributed to diverse causes, such as consequences of damages to the central nervous system (“slight cerebral damage”), alterations in functions for nutritional factors and/or metabolic (cerebral dysfunction), etc. However, when observing its presence in the relatives of the affected person, it started to be noticed that its origin must be due to genetic factors.

Although the main causes are still being discussed, it is common theory that it contributed to a genetic basis and a set of ignition factors. The manifestations of this disorder can be related to disorders in mood, depression, behavior, learning (such as dyslexia, dysfraphia, dyscalculia) and speech, among others. Often these same disorders can also be present in the relatives of the affected person.

It is first noticed by the relatives and the people in charge of the child’s education (teachers, psychologists, etc) through daily attitudes. But ADHD should be diagnosed through individual tests of cognitive skills and performance and a medical-neurological exam. Its frequency varies in different ethnic groups, which can vary between 5 and 10% of the population. Although it is found in both genders, it is more predominant in men than women, specially its hyperactivity and impulse manifestations.

Collaborated in this article: Eliana Chiama

“The art of healing with the hands” was Hippocrates definition of surgery.