Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common psychiatric disorder diagnosis among children and adolescents. The occurrence of ADHD has increased over recent years. Statistics shows that worldwide 3-5 % are meeting the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, and it is shown to be more prevalent in boys than girls (1, 8). ADHD is often combined with psychiatric co-morbidity, and children with ADHD are less educated and have an increased risk of becoming abusers and criminals as adults (1,2). Besides impairing the quality of life of the individual child, the families are subject to considerable pressure, and the socioeconomic costs connected with ADHD are substantial (3,1,7). Notably, if left untreated the symptoms of ADHD can affect the child's academic and social functioning significantly (10). …show more content…
Nevertheless, the cause of ADHD is complex and is not yet conclusive, though evidence suggests that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of ADHD. It is estimated that approximately 70-90% is genetically determined (94) while several studies have found that environmental factors such as birth complications, smoking and alcohol during pregnancy can increase the risk of ADHD among children (6, 94, ref) In addition, evidence shows that stress during pregnancy can influence the development of ADHD (11,12,13,95). A study of Spadafore (1998) found that stress during pregnancy was a prominent factor that separates children with ADHD from children without ADHD (2). Moreover studies have found correlation between severity of stress during pregnancy and severity of the symptoms of ADHD in children