Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
05:48

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients

Published on: June 12, 2020

Inattentive/overactive children with histories of profound institutional deprivation compared with standard ADHD

E J S Sonuga-Barke1, K Rubia

  • 1Developmental Brain-Behaviour Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. ejb3@soton.ac.uk

Child: Care, Health and Development
|September 18, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Children with ADHD symptoms and early deprivation (D-I/OA) showed similar ADHD symptoms to clinical ADHD cases, but greater neuropsychological impairment. Girls with D-I/OA experienced symptom remission, unlike boys.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms, characterized by inattention/overactivity/impulsiveness (I/OA), are linked to early institutional care.
  • The English and Romanian Adoptees (ERA) study provides a unique cohort for examining the long-term effects of severe early deprivation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the symptom and neuropsychological profiles of children with a history of I/OA and early severe deprivation (D-I/OA) against standard clinical ADHD cases (S-ADHD) and deprivation-exposed controls (ERA-controls).
  • To investigate potential gender differences in ADHD symptom persistence and neuropsychological outcomes in children with a history of institutional care.

Main Methods:

  • Comparison of symptom and neuropsychological profiles in three groups: D-I/OA (n=13), S-ADHD (N=20), and ERA-controls (n=22).
  • Participants were assessed around age 13, with D-I/OA and ERA-controls drawn from the ERA study cohort.
  • Longitudinal data were analyzed to track symptom changes over time.

Main Results:

  • Male D-I/OA and S-ADHD cases exhibited similar ADHD symptom patterns.
  • Female D-I/OA cases showed symptom profiles more aligned with ERA controls, suggesting remission.
  • Neuropsychological assessments revealed greater impairment in both male and female D-I/OA children compared to S-ADHD and ERA controls.

Conclusions:

  • Children with D-I/OA demonstrate significant neuropsychological deficits irrespective of persistent ADHD symptoms, which were more evident in boys.
  • Gender differences in symptom persistence were observed, with girls showing remission.
  • Findings highlight the profound and persistent neuropsychological impact of early severe deprivation, even when overt ADHD symptoms diminish.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Using Brain Activation (nir-HEG/Q-EEG) and Execution Measures (CPTs) in a ADHD Assessment Protocol13:09

Using Brain Activation (nir-HEG/Q-EEG) and Execution Measures (CPTs) in a ADHD Assessment Protocol

Published on: April 1, 2018

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos05:32

Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos

Published on: December 7, 2018

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.
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...
Adler's Individual Psychology01:28

Adler's Individual Psychology

Alfred Adler, a prominent figure in psychology, founded the school of individual psychology. In contrast to Freud's emphasis on sexual or aggressive motives, Adler suggested that individuals are primarily motivated by their purposes and goals. He believed that people strive for perfection rather than pleasure. Adler argued that individuals could creatively act upon their genetic inheritance and environmental experiences to shape their own lives, emphasizing conscious motivation over unconscious...
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Intellectual Disability01:29

Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...