Can Paternal Drug Use Cause ADD?

The Father's Role in Causing Attention Deficit Disorder

Jan 6, 2009

Another potential cause of both ADD and other developmental disorders may be the father's drug or alcohol abuse at the time of conception.

In searching for a cause for Attention Deficit Disorder, usually one cannot singularly be blamed. A combination of genetics, nutrition, discipline habits at home and school, and the health of a mother while she carries her unborn child are all contributing factors for developing ADD.

While it is widely known that babies delivered to mothers who abuse drugs or alcohol are at risk for fetal death, premature birth, low birth weight, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, hyperactivity, learning, and psychiatric disorders, the paternal role in establishing a healthy child is being examined.

Studies That Support Father’s Role in Developing ADD

In the study “Father Involvement and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder,” it is discussed that any toxins ingested by the father directly affects the quality of both his semen and sperm. This subsequently can affect the genetic material of the unborn child.

A number of children of paternal drug or alcohol abusers were associated with developmental and behavioral problems, including decreased cognitive ability and academic performance. Paternal drug or alcohol use at the time of conception was found in some cases to cause birth defects, genetic conditions, “hyperactivity…and a variety of learning and memory deficits.”

Since sperm are made continuously throughout a male’s life, any alcohol or drug use can cause them to have deformed heads or tails. In the study “Dads and Birth Defects,” it also states that these children may have intellectual deficits and may be more prone to being hyperactive.

Further Risk Factors for Developing ADD with a Parent Who Abuses Drugs or Alcohol

While a father may or may not have damaged his unborn child with his own drug use, he may have failed to protect against maternal drug or alcohol use, thereby aiding in the development of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and hyperactivity disorders.

In addition, parents who abuse drugs or alcohol may further their child’s risk for developing ADD because of the following:

There is certainly a lack of scientific attention regarding the investigation of the relationship between paternal drug and alcohol abuse and subsequent birth disorders, including ADD development. However, since maternal drug and alcohol abuse has been widely regarded as being one of the many causes of ADD development, it is not too far of a stretch to see that fathers can possibly damage their child’s genetic material by abusing drugs or alcohol.

The copyright of the article Can Paternal Drug Use Cause ADD? in ADD/ADHD is owned by Abby Deliz. Permission to republish Can Paternal Drug Use Cause ADD? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.