ADHD and Smoking: Is There a Connection?
 For years researchers have been looking for a definitive cause for ADHD with little success. However, they have found several factors that some believe may lead to a greater chance of developing ADHD, and smoking is one of those factors.
Recent studies have shown that children who are exposed to tobacco are twice as likely as children who have not been exposed to develop ADHD. This exposure can be as second hand smoke in the home, or if the mother smoked while pregnant.
Aside from ADHD, smoking can cause a variety of other illnesses and may predispose children to other conditions such as:
- Respiratory conditions
- Headaches
- Low birth weight
- Asthma
- Cardiovascular problems
In another interesting connection, children with ADHD are thought to be more likely to start smoking as adolescents and adults. It is also believed that ADHD makes it more difficult to stop smoking as well, since aside from being addictive, the nicotine in cigarettes may provide relief for ADHD symptoms.
While no definitive link has been proven to exist between ADHD health and smoking, the results of the studies should be taken into consideration when making decisions about exposing children to smoke. It is never healthy under any circumstances, and should be avoided. |
