Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 29, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Population based, controlled study of behavioural problems and psychiatric disorders in low birthweight children at

I Elgen1, K Sommerfelt, T Markestad

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Bergen, Norway. ielg@haukeland.no

Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|August 24, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Children born with low birth weight (LBW) face a significantly higher risk of long-term behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders into adolescence. This increased risk is not linked to specific birth complications but persists regardless of the degree of low birth weight.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatric Psychiatry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Low birth weight (LBW) is a known risk factor for adverse child development.
  • Understanding the long-term psychiatric and behavioral sequelae of LBW is crucial for early intervention and support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term risk of behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders in children born with low birth weight.
  • To compare these outcomes in low birth weight (LBW) children with normal birth weight (NBW) children at 11 years of age.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based, controlled follow-up study included 130 LBW children (<2000 g) and 131 NBW children (>3000 g).
  • Mothers and teachers completed validated behavioral questionnaires.
  • A child psychiatrist conducted semistructured interviews for psychiatric evaluation.

Main Results:

  • LBW children exhibited significantly higher rates of behavioral problems (40% vs. 7%) and psychiatric disorders (27% vs. 9%) compared to NBW children.
  • LBW children were more prone to inattention, social difficulties, and low self-esteem.
  • No specific prenatal, neonatal, or perinatal variables predicted these outcomes; risk was consistent across different degrees of LBW.

Conclusions:

  • An elevated risk for behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders persists in adolescents born with low birth weight.
  • These findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and support for individuals with a history of LBW.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia13:08

Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia

Published on: December 2, 2015

A Novel Experimental and Analytical Approach to the Multimodal Neural Decoding of Intent During Social Interaction in Freely-behaving Human Infants11:14

A Novel Experimental and Analytical Approach to the Multimodal Neural Decoding of Intent During Social Interaction in Freely-behaving Human Infants

Published on: October 4, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Regression Toward the Mean01:52

Regression Toward the Mean

Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...