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RESEARCH: Heather T Keenan, Gillian C Hall, and Stephen W Marshall Early head injury and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: retrospective cohort study BMJ 2008; 337: a1984 [Abstract] [Full text]

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Weakness point in this study: other etiological factors were not considered

Abdulrahman A. Alsawadi   (25 November 2008)

Weakness point in this study: other etiological factors were not considered 25 November 2008
Abdulrahman A. Alsawadi, Surgical Resident King Abdulaziz Hospital & Oncology Center, Jeddah 21497 Send response to journal: Re: Weakness point in this study: other etiological factors were not considered	It seems that this study didn't consider the etiological factors which other studies showed. Although it is believed that there is no specific cause of ADHD known,[1] some studies indicate that the disorder is highly heritable and that genetics cause about 75% of ADHD cases.[2] Hyperactivity also seems to be primarily a genetic condition, however other causes do have an effect,[3] including difficulties with pregnancy, birth, early childhood severe illness, and environmental toxins.[4] Considering the different groups in this study might obligate taking these etiological factors into consideration, and rolling them out might give more credence to the conclusion that medically attended injury before the age of 2 may be a marker for subsequent diagnosis of ADHD. References: 1. "Stimulant medication for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: evidence-b(i)ased practice? -- Bailly 29 (8): 284 -- Psychiatric Bulletin". 2. "CG72 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): full guideline". NHS (24 September 2008). Retrieved on 2008-10-08 3. Barkley, Russel A.. "Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Nature, Course, Outcomes, and Comorbidity 4. "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)". National Institute of Mental Health (April 3, 2008) Competing interests: None declared