|  | Family Health | Childrens Health

Chemical Imbalance in Children

The relationship between chemical imbalances and physiological disorders has revealed a connection between certain dysfunctions in the neurological processes and behavioral problems in children. Attention deficit and hypersensitivity disorders are now believed to be caused by a chemical imbalance that affects the way in which signals are passed between the brain and the nervous systems of the body.

  1. Neurotransmitters and Child Behavior

    • According to Dr. Joe Carver, a mental health professional in Ohio, electrically-based reactions that are controlled by chemicals in the brain involve an interface between neurons and cells in the body. Command signals that dictate the functions of the systems of the body - such as blood circulation, muscle movement and brain function in children - depend on the proper transfer of these signals. The chemicals that control these functions are known as neurotransmitters, of which serotonin is perhaps the most related to child behavioral problems.

    Depression, ADHD and Chemicals

    • According to Aurora Health Care, a chemical imbalance in children can lead to physiological conditions that cause dysfunction in cognition, emotional states and behavior. While the association between neurons and these disorders is thought to be the main cause of ADD, ADHD and depression, there are other factors that may also affect the production, absorption and reabsorption (reuptake) of neurotransmitters, including vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids.

    Treatment of Chemical Imbalance in Children

    • The methods of treatment that have been developed to regulate neurotransmitter activity in children generally involve the control of the reuptake of the various chemicals that affect neural functions, including serotonin, dopamine and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Potent drugs have been used for children in those cases that are considered to be more severe, or that are found to be potentially long-term disorders, including Ritalin and Prozac.

    Controversy About Treatment Methods

    • According to Elizabeth J. Roberts at the Washington Post, certain side effects of medications that are prescribed for depression and behavioral problems in children have caused a controversy over whether or not the drugs are worth the potential damage that may occur. While some cases of mental disorders in children can be verified as being authentic, other cases are suspected of being misdiagnosed. Non-psychiatric issues, such as dietary deficiencies and emotional disturbances in the child's family environment, are cited as being valid yet misunderstood causes of behavioral disorders in children.

    Further Controversy

    • While the discussion about the efficacy of diagnosis of mental disorders in children has continued, the study of more serious side effects of anti-depressants and SRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) has led to the inclusion of warnings mandated by the FDA. According to Jonathan Leo, PhD, these warnings include the possibility of increases in delusion and/or hallucination that can lead to suicidal thoughts and other severe depressive conditions. The controversy over the veracity of these claims continues.

Childrens Health - Related Articles