Risk of ADHD higher in girls

According to WHO, India is one of the top ten countries with the highest number of preterm births. 3.5 million out of 27 million babies born every year are premature. Factors such as Hypertension during pregnancy, infection, other obstetric problems, illness, poverty, the mother's age and exposure to pollution are responsible for premature births.

Studies have shown that babies who were born prematurely (born before 37 weeks of gestation) were at a higher risk of developing "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" (ADHD).

Studies have also shown that girls seem more prone to it as compared to boys and mothers who had low education saw a higher effect of preterm birth on ADHD. 

There are many factors - genetic as well as uninheritable, such as exposure to toxic substances such as alcohol or lead in the mother's womb that could contribute to ADHD, although its cause is not fully understood as it is a complex condition. The question is - are factors that cause preterm birth responsible for the higher risk of ADHD or the fact that the child was born prematurely itself the reason behind that?  The symptoms of ADHD vary from child to child and can be difficult to identify. 

ADHD can affect a child's life in every way - academically, socially and their daily activities. They have a lot of trouble paying attention due to which these kids experience difficulty in social situations or at school, with learning. 

Their reactions can be very impulsive. There is no way by which ADHD can be prevented but you can ensure that you go through a healthy pregnancy to increase the chances of your baby not having ADHD. 

A healthy, balanced diet for kids is very important, irrespective of the fact whether they have ADHD or not. It can calm their hyperactive behaviour. The best treatment for ADHD is a combination of behavioural as well as psychological therapies along with meditation.