The Centers for Disease Control reports that ADHD diagnoses have increased an average of 3 percent a year since 1997. It is now estimated to be among the costliest of behavioral disorders, and recent research indicates that exposure to lead may be somewhat to blame.

The Association for Psychological Science (APS) reported the following:

Emerging research ... suggests an environmental link for ADHD with some experts believing lead may be a culprit. Lead is a neurotoxin. ... It's found in trace amounts in everything from childrens costume jewelry to imported candies to soil and drinking water. ...

According to psychological scientist Joel Nigg of the Oregon Health & Science University, this universal low-level exposure makes lead an ideal candidate for the disorder's trigger.

Until recently, this was just a theory, but studies have begun to find evidentiary support, the APS reported:

• One study found that children with ADHD did have slightly higher levels of lead in their blood.
  
• The second study found a strong link between elevated blood levels of lead and reporting of ADHD symptoms by parents and teachers.

Labels: causes, lead, environment

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Researchers at the University of Illinois have confirmed previous studies which concluded that exposure to green spaces has a calming effect on children with ADHD. The studies found that time spent outdoors improved both attention and impulse control.

An Oct. 17 article by Mary Helen Jones of the Henderson (NC) Daily Dispatch provided the following details about this discovery:

The "degree of green" appears to matter with greater effects from the greenest or most wilderness-like environment.

A walk in the forest trumps a walk in the park or playing organized sports in recreational park fields. Park experiences reap better results than a walk in a neighborhood or downtown area. "Green" play more effectively reduced ADHD symptoms than active play in a gym or play on paved surfaces. ...

According to researcher Frances E. Kuo, "as little as 20 minutes of outdoor exposure could potentially buy you an afternoon or a couple of hours to get homework done."

Labels: attention, impulsivity, environment

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A new analysis of U.S. health data has found a possible link between pesticides and ADHD. The study’s findings are preliminary, and researchers admit that more information is needed.

“Children may be especially prone to the health risks of pesticides because they’re still growing and they may consume more pesticide residue than adults relative to their body weight. In the body, pesticides break down into compounds that can be measured in urine. Almost universally, the study found detectable levels… The kids with higher levels had increased chances of having ADHD…” [Source: Associated Press]

A 2008 study out of Emory University found that kids who ate organic fruits and vegetables had almost undetectable levels of pesticides, prompting researchers to suggest parents switch to organic foods.

 

Labels: environment

Posted By: 4ADHD.com 0 Comments