Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Research Paper Example

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder that affects school aged children. The disorder is characterized by hypersensitivity and impulsiveness or both. Deficiency in iron has been said to be the largest contributor of the disorder in children. Research conducted revealed that iron contributes largely to the development of this disorder especially if the expectant mother does not consume a diet with high contents of Iron. Iron metabolism is closely related to brain monoamine metabolism an aspect that makes the association of iron deficiency and cognitive problems to be biological plausible.

There are unique behaviors associated with ADHD. Some of these include difficulties in maintain focus, becoming easily distracted, child being easily bored, difficulties in becoming organized and completing a specific task, daydreaming etc. Research indicates that ferritin is one of the major contributors of these behavioral problems that are reported by both the teachers and parents. Iron contributes largely towards brain development. As a result, ADHD has been potentially linked with ID for different reasons.

First, it is a disorder that appears during early childhood periods. Second, studies have linked ADHD to dopaminergic dysfunction. Nevertheless, iron supplements were found to have been attenuating ADHD symptoms in children with ID. There have been different opinions of if oral contraceptives affect bone density in reproductive aged women. Research was conducted and a conclusion was reached that oral contraceptives have no change on the bone density therefore erasing fears that these drugs might have been causing ADHD in childrenIn conclusion, iron is an important component in brain development of a child.

In addition, it contributes heavily on the formation of body neurons. As a result, expectant mothers are expected to take a balanced diet in order to supply the fetus with enough iron.