ADHD Brain Scans

Brain scans show a physiological effect, but a complete understanding of ADHD / ADD is still elusive

The Orlando Sentinal has a good report on the state of brain imaging for ADHD today.

The paper notes that "imaging technology has allowed scientists to see that brain structure and brain activity in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder are markedly different than in nonafflicted children."

(Photo above - normal brain on left, ADHD brain on right) These images created by scanning the brains of ADHD-positive children support theories that the ADHD has a physiological basis in the brain -- "which contradicts skeptics who view the disorder as nothing more than initials that stand for an unruly, undisciplined brat."

"People don't believe in things until they see a picture," says Michael Stevens, researcher at the Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center at Hartford Hospital's Institute of Living.

Genetics are root cause of ADHD

Genetics are the root cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder according to new research out of Oxford University.

According the study from England, "the genetic and environmental mediation of continuity and change in parent-reported attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms were investigated in a cohort of over 6000 twin pairs at 2, 3 and 4 years of age."

"what is stable for ADHD symptoms is largely genetic. Contrast effects acting in the same direction at different ages contributed to the observed continuity: longitudinal correlations were greater for dizygotic than monozygotic twins," scientists indicated.

Price and colleagues published the results of their research in Behavior Genetics (Continuity and change in preschool ADHD symptoms: Longitudinal genetic analysis with contrast effects. Behav Genet, 2005;35(2):121-132).

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and ADHD

Women Should Be Advised Not To Drink Alcohol In Pregnancy - Even in low quantities, Alcohol (research suggests) can cause ADHD-like symptoms in children.

While the UK Department of Health advises that women can safely drink one or two units of alcohol per week, a team of psychiatrists in London highlight several studies which cast doubt on the guidance.

The authors looked at reports into foetal alcohol syndrome, a condition developed by some babies exposed to alcohol in the womb, resulting in stunted growth, facial abnormalities and neurocognitive deficits (brain disorders). An overarching foetal alcohol spectrum disorder - traceable to the pregnant mother's alcohol consumption say the authors - has also been identified.

Both the syndrome and disorder cause a wide range of behavioural disorders, they argue, including hyperactivity, problems with mental organisation, and difficulties in understanding the consequences of one's behaviour. Symptoms may also overlap with conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).