“In 2003, 7.8 percent of 4- to 17-year-olds had received a diagnosis of ADHD, according to data from the National Survey of Children 's Health, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention” (Novotney). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, children that are diagnosed with this disorder are distracted, impulsive, or hyperactive, and emotionally unpredictable. ADHD is the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood (Cao, et. al). Research has indicated that from 2001 to 2010, the percentage of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has dramatically increased due to the mother’s high intake of sugar during pregnancy (“Sugar”). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder hasn’t only increased because
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The high sugar intake has been associated with increased rate of obesity. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is known to cause obesity (Davis). "In 1 study of children with ADHD aged 3 to 18 years, 29% had a body mass index (BMI) >85th percentile, which is twice the frequency observed in the normal population” (Holtkamp K, Konrad K, Müller B, et al.). Obesity is just a side effect of ADHD, but studies have been done to see if sugar is the only cause of ADHD. In a study done by Hoover DW and Milich R, the two studied children with sugar sensitivity and were rated for hyperactivity by their parents. The parents were notified that the children were given aspartame or sucrose (“Effects of Sugar…”). The parents rated the children, who got sucrose, as having worse performance; even though both groups of children got aspartame (“Effects of Sugar…”). This study showed how the artificial sweetener, might cause children to get ADHD. It still isn’t the exact and only reason, but it is a possibility to be the cause of ADHD. Sugar is not the only problem while being pregnant and having ADHD children, but so is smoking during …show more content…
“Theodore Ganiats, M.D., professor of family and preventive medicine at the University of California, San Diego. Either way, he said, "There are still, according to parents, a large number of kids diagnosed with ADHD who are not on treatment" (“Parent-reported Cases…”). There is quite a few children who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at a young age and are normally diagnosed at the age of six or if the disorder is very serious the child is diagnosed as young as four years old (“Parent-reported Cases…”). Most people who are diagnosed with ADHD are children and teens. “American Psychiatric Association found that ADHD diagnoses by healthcare professionals has increased as high as 9.5%” (Kraemer). The physicians are starting to recognize the symptoms of ADHD much easier than in the past; technology has a big impact in recognizing ADHD. In the article, “Diagnosis of ADHD on The Rise” have evaluated the research of ADHD diagnosis in the past ten years and it has changed (White). “According to the study, in 2010, 10.4 million children and teens under age 18 were diagnosed with ADHD at physician outpatient visits, versus 6.2 million in 2000”
The high sugar intake has been associated with increased rate of obesity. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is known to cause obesity (Davis). "In 1 study of children with ADHD aged 3 to 18 years, 29% had a body mass index (BMI) >85th percentile, which is twice the frequency observed in the normal population” (Holtkamp K, Konrad K, Müller B, et al.). Obesity is just a side effect of ADHD, but studies have been done to see if sugar is the only cause of ADHD. In a study done by Hoover DW and Milich R, the two studied children with sugar sensitivity and were rated for hyperactivity by their parents. The parents were notified that the children were given aspartame or sucrose (“Effects of Sugar…”). The parents rated the children, who got sucrose, as having worse performance; even though both groups of children got aspartame (“Effects of Sugar…”). This study showed how the artificial sweetener, might cause children to get ADHD. It still isn’t the exact and only reason, but it is a possibility to be the cause of ADHD. Sugar is not the only problem while being pregnant and having ADHD children, but so is smoking during …show more content…
“Theodore Ganiats, M.D., professor of family and preventive medicine at the University of California, San Diego. Either way, he said, "There are still, according to parents, a large number of kids diagnosed with ADHD who are not on treatment" (“Parent-reported Cases…”). There is quite a few children who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at a young age and are normally diagnosed at the age of six or if the disorder is very serious the child is diagnosed as young as four years old (“Parent-reported Cases…”). Most people who are diagnosed with ADHD are children and teens. “American Psychiatric Association found that ADHD diagnoses by healthcare professionals has increased as high as 9.5%” (Kraemer). The physicians are starting to recognize the symptoms of ADHD much easier than in the past; technology has a big impact in recognizing ADHD. In the article, “Diagnosis of ADHD on The Rise” have evaluated the research of ADHD diagnosis in the past ten years and it has changed (White). “According to the study, in 2010, 10.4 million children and teens under age 18 were diagnosed with ADHD at physician outpatient visits, versus 6.2 million in 2000”