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Causes of Attention Deficit

Although the specific cause of attention deficit is not yet known, there are many factors that may lead to the development of this disorder. Attention deficit may be caused by genetics, injury to the brain, diet, and the environment.

• Genetics. According to experts, most attention deficit cases occur among families with other members – whether immediate family members or close relatives – who also had the disorder. Studies are now focused on particular genes that are related with dopamine, a chemical in the brain. Researches are showing a relationship between attention deficit and low dopamine levels in the brain.
• Injury to the brain. Another possible cause of attention deficit is having injury in the brain. This can be obtained through contact with toxins after being born or even before. Physical injuries affecting the brain, particularly the frontal lobe, can also cause attention deficit symptoms to appear.
• Diet. Some experts have related the occurrence of attention deficit with eating certain kinds of food such as those that have additives or refined sugar. It is believed that additives can aggravate attention deficit condition. Sugar, on the other hand, can cause some abnormal behaviors in people.
• Environment. Some studies identified exposure to lead as a possible factor leading to attention deficit. Children who attend school located in old buildings can be exposed to lead because the paint used in these buildings contained toxic levels of lead. New formulations of paint, however, do not contain lead anymore.

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