Causes of ADHD are unknown
Though several theories surround the causes of ADHD, the exact cause it still unknown. The suspected causes include genetics, the environment, or problems with the central nervous system during early stages of development. Until we are sure about the real causes of ADHD, it is unsafe to say whether or not ADHD actually exists.
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The Argument
ADHD is one of the most common brain disorders among Americans, and though it is highly researched, the causes of ADHD are still unknown. The answer as to whether ADHD is a real disorder cannot be answered until the true causes of ADHD are known.
A combination of factors are thought to be responsible for ADHD. Studies suggest that it is genetic, since ADHD tends to run in families, while others suggest it is a matter of brain anatomy and function. Lower levels of activity in certain parts of the brain could be the cause, as well as head injuries in some cases. [1]Environmental factors are also suggested to be a cause of ADHD, since children growing up in poverty are two times more likely to develop ADHD at an early age. Prenatal exposures, such as alcohol and nicotine may increase the risk of ADHD. [2]
There are many factors that have been considered to be the cause of ADHD, but no one is completely sure. Until the causes of ADHD are well known, identifying the disorder as a real condition should be reconsidered.
Counter arguments
There are several mental disorders aside from ADHD that have unknown causes. In fact, a majority of mental disorders have unknown causes. The causes of clinical depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and even schizophrenia, are all unknown. If one is to dismiss ADHD for this reason alone, then they would be dismissing all mental illnesses and disorders.[3]
Just like ADHD, the causes of the previously mentioned disorders could be from a variety of different factors. This includes genetics, environmental factors, brain function, and prenatal exposures, and even brain injury. There are numerous medical mysteries, but when a majority of the population is experiencing the symptoms, how can people assume they are not real? Research on ADHD still continues today as a significant amount of the population is diagnosed with the disorder. With three million people diagnosed each year, denying the existence of ADHD because of it’s unknown origins would be ineffectual.