Behavior disorders can have a variety of causes, including inherited genetic factors and environmental influences. Dr. William J. Walsh, Ph.D., of Walsh Research Institute, found that more than 70% of people with behavioral and mental disorders have a methylation imbalance. The body’s methyl groups turn genes off or on by affecting interactions between DNA and the cell’s protein-making machinery genes. Because the methylation cycle is essential for mental and physical health, the basic nutrients necessary for the normal function of this cycle are critical. Too much or too little of important methyl groups can cause a methylation imbalance. Being overmethylated or undermethylated combined with pyrrole disorder, elevated toxic metals, nutrient deficiencies, and abnormal copper levels is often the “root cause” of individuals with severe behavioral issues.
At Mensah Medical, we also acknowledge gut dysfunction (malabsorption, hypoglycemia, and leaky gut), dysbiosis (which is an imbalance between good and bad bacteria), yeast disorders, and autoimmune disorders as key contributors to many pediatric behavioral challenges.
Some potential environmental contributors may include stressful home or school environments, inadequate parental supervision, or poor social skills. In addition, some medical conditions, such as head injuries or changes in hormone levels, may be associated with behavior disorders. It is also important to note that behaviors may not always have an identifiable cause, as certain cases may be attributed to multiple factors.