SUN Behavioral Columbus Discusses the Often-Ignored Environmental Risk Factors For ADHD

SUN Behavioral Columbus, a mental health services provider in Columbus, Ohio, is highlighting the environmental risk factors for ADHD that generally go unnoticed by the broader population.

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is the most common mental health condition affecting children in the United States. In Ohio, ADHD diagnoses are on the rise in children between ages 2 and 17 with the state ranking higher than the national average of children diagnosed with the condition. Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 3 and 6 and may go undiagnosed until adulthood. For a confirmed ADHD diagnosis, symptoms must start before the age of 12, be noticeable for at least six months, and occur in more than one place, such as in school or at home.

There are three types of ADHD – Inattentiveness, hyperactiveness/impulsiveness, or a combination of both. While some inattentiveness or hyperactivity is normal, those who are diagnosed with the condition report heightened symptoms that impede their ability to perform well in school or social interactions. There is no standardized test for ADHD but the American Psychiatric Association has put forth a list of criteria that meets the parameters to be diagnosed with ADHD.

“It can be hard to figure out why your precious child is unable to control their impulses in certain situations, especially when other children their age can,” the spokesperson for SUN Behavioral Columbus says. “Knowing that your children are having difficulty with tasks that others their age manage to do can be stressful for any parent. Though no two people with ADHD will develop it for the same reasons, some undeniable factors put your child at an increased risk for the diagnosis. If you are worried about your young one’s mental health and future, call us today. We will help you understand the options available to you and how SUN Behavioral Columbus can play a role in treating your child.”

The root causes of ADHD are still being widely studied. Some scenarios have been linked to increasing the chance of a diagnosis including low birth weight, premature birth, drug or alcohol use during pregnancy, high stress during pregnancy, exposure to toxic substances such as lead during pregnancy or at a young age, family members who have ADHD, and brain injury.

While researchers have not found a direct correlation between environmental factors and ADHD, on its website, the Columbus mental health services provider details the three most common risk factors that might exacerbate the symptoms of the condition. First, children living in chaotic or unstable environments can face deteriorating mental health and develop the condition over time. This can be compounded by poor job or school performance and other mental conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Next, genetics play a major role in the development of ADHD. Those who show symptoms of ADHD have a different brain makeup than those who don’t have the condition, including reduced white and gray matter volume and a different pattern of brain activation during tasks. So, the risk of developing ADHD increases if a parent or a family member has the condition. Finally, reducing sugar intake and consuming a well-balanced diet with fruits and vegetables have shown improvement in symptom severity and frequency. However, science does not equate diet as a cause of ADHD.

SUN Behavioral Columbus offers three ADHD treatment options. The Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) consists of 5 group therapy sessions per day over the course of 5 days a week with a focus on cognitive behavioral therapy. The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) consists of 3 group therapy sessions per day, 5 days per week, and offers yoga, mindfulness, and physical wellness. The Columbus mental health center also offers patients medications based on the recommendations of its medical professionals.

Mental health conditions are complex and require a full continuum of care. The professionals at SUN Columbus have programs for both adults and children with ADHD. Readers can get in touch with the experts at SUN Behavioral Columbus at (614) 892-9792 to inquire about treatment options or to schedule an appointment.