Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms may begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. It is the most common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-aged children. Boys are about three times more likely to have ADHD than girls. ADHD symptoms can cause problems at home, school, work, or in relationships.
The key behaviors of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is normal for all children to have these behaviors but for ADHD children, these behaviors are more severe and occur more often. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a child must have symptoms for 6 or more months and to a scale that is greater than other children of the same age.
Scientists are not sure the cause of ADHD, even though some studies suggest that genes play a large role. Researchers are looking at possible environmental factors and are studying how brain injuries, nutrition, and the social environment might contribute to ADHD. This disorder is also thought to be caused by an imbalance of two chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, in the brain.
Hope
Brain SPECT imaging is a nuclear medicine study which offers the most widely available and widely applicable measure of neuronal behavior. SPECT Scan can help doctors not only diagnose ADHD but help them put the child on the right path for treatment. With this SPECT scan there is hope for parents of ADHD children giving them relief and answers to their child behavior and future.
Our staff and physicians are here to help. We believe that we can offer additional strategies for understanding your brain’s current functioning through the use of SPECT imaging–a functional brain imaging modality. If you have questions and would like to learn more or schedule an appointment contact us at 1-800-315-5739.