Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Using Brain Activation (nir-HEG/Q-EEG) and Execution Measures (CPTs) in a ADHD Assessment Protocol
13:09

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

Published on: April 1, 2018

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and birth order

Itai Berger1, Noorit Felsenthal-Berger

  • 1Neuro-Pediatric Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. itberg@hadassah.org.il

Journal of Child Neurology
|February 13, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Birth order does not influence the likelihood of developing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study found no significant differences in ADHD diagnosis rates among firstborn, middle, or later-born children.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Behavioral Pediatrics

Background:

  • Birth order is a significant environmental factor impacting child development, influencing cognitive and behavioral traits.
  • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent neuro-behavioral disorder in childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between birth order and the diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Main Methods:

  • The study analyzed the birth order of 598 children aged 6 to 18 years diagnosed with ADHD.
  • The cohort included a substantial proportion of participants from larger families (47.1% from families with over 4 children).

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant differences in birth order were observed among the children diagnosed with ADHD.
  • The likelihood of ADHD diagnosis was found to be consistent across firstborn, middle-born, later-born, and single children.

Conclusions:

  • Birth order does not appear to be a determining factor in the development of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
  • This research suggests that environmental influences of birth order have no discernible effect on ADHD prevalence.

More Related Videos

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)10:02

Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Published on: March 12, 2020

The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients05:48

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

Published on: June 12, 2020

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...
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.
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;...
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood03:34

Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood

Attachment is a long-standing connection or bond with others. While Attachment Theory was conceived in developmental psychology to describe infant-caregiver bonding, it's been extended into adulthood to include romantic relationships.