Australasian Journal of Natural Medicine Summer 2025 (Members Version) | Page 17

people with autism, 20 intermittent explosive disorder, 20 oppositional defiant disorders, 20 anxiety, 20 epilepsy, 20 intellectual disability, 20 substance use disorder, 20 disordered eating, 20 problem gambling, 20 internet addiction, 20 tic disorders, 20 sleep disorders, 20 and atopic dermatitis 35 have been associated with an increased risk of ADHD.
Environmental factors, such as prenatal exposure to organochlorines 18 and prenatal polychlorinated biphenyls( PCBs), 36 exposure to PCBs, 10, 11 exposure to mercury, 10 and childhood exposure to organophosphate pesticides 10, 19 have also been noted as risk factors for ADHD.
Conclusion
In summary, ADHD is a complex, lifelong condition influenced by multiple factors, characterised by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. A variety of risk factors has been associated with ADHD, including genetic predispositions, thyroid dysfunction, physical trauma, asthma, the microbiome, exposure to lead, tobacco smoke, alcohol, and additional factors such as preterm birth, familial adversity, and contact with organochlorines, polychlorinated biphenyls, mercury, and organophosphate pesticides. It is recommended that further research be conducted to investigate the risk factors contributing to the development of ADHD.
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