More and more children are being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and also being placed on medication to treat the symptoms. We already know the extreme dangers associated with these drugs, but what about getting to the root cause of the problem? Here is a look at a recent study that links pesticides to an increased risk of ADHD.

A study published in the May 17, 2010 issue of the journal Pediatrics has found that even low levels of pesticide residue found in the urine samples of North American children seems to be strongly associated with the development of ADHD.

Bouchard and Weisskopf found that even at low exposures, the presence of the common pesticide byproduct dimethyl thiophosphate in the urine of children made them twice as likely to exhibit ADHD symptoms.

This byproduct was found in about 6 in 10 of the children and as Bouchard says, “It’s not a small effect. This is 100% more risk.”

For every tenfold increase in pesticide byproduct malathion in the urine; the risk of ADHD increased to 55%.

At least 73 million pounds of organophosphate pesticides are used in agricultural and residential settings in the US.

Organophosphates are designed to be toxic to the nervous system, says Bouchard, “That’s how they kill pests.”

Aside from this strong link to pesticide exposure, pressure on a child’s nervous system can also cause symptoms of ADHD.

Pressure on the upper cervical spine, caused from bad posture, birth trauma, falls, car accidents, etc. can increase the sympathetic response in the body–also known as ‘fight or flight.’ This can cause ADHD-like symptoms and trouble focusing. The best sort of physician to seek out is a wellness chiropractor. They can evaluate the spine and remove pressure from that area.

Here’s the full report.