Risk factors for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children: A systematic review

Abstract

Background Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is among the most prevalent childhood disorders. This condition is characterized by impulsive behaviour, restlessness and lack of concentration. Various researchers have come up with diverse conclusions concerning the risk factors of ADHD. Objective However, there is a need for a comprehensive review to understand the risk factors associated with the development of ADHD. Methods For this, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA), the methodology was used to extract the findings. Results The finding suggests that there are a variety of risk factors associated with women that may be responsible for the development of ADHD among children. The main four risk factors are antibiotics use in early life, insufficient omega 3 and 6 in the body, disruption of gut microbiota and irregular circadian rhythm. These factors, which are discussed in-depth in the review, include factors that affect the development of the brain in children. Conclusion This review concludes that a variety of risk factors may contribute to the development of ADHD. Further, this review highlights not only the importance of metabolic physiological but also the importance of biopsychological aspects that leads to the development of ADHD among children. Studies should be conducted to check the impact of such factors holistically to minimize the risk of ADHD.