Association between atopic diseases and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in childhood: a population-based
Jeng-Dau Tsai1, Shih-Ni Chang, Chih-Hsin Mou
1Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Insights
Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a higher risk of atopic diseases (AD), particularly allergic rhinitis. Early awareness of these comorbidities can improve pediatric patient management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Allergology
Background:
- Atopic diseases (AD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are prevalent pediatric conditions.
- Both disorders can lead to significant mental and physical health complications in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between the risk of ADHD and the presence of AD in a pediatric population.
- To determine if specific atopic conditions are associated with an increased likelihood of ADHD.
Main Methods:
- A population-based case-control study utilizing a Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (2002-2009).
- Enrolled 4,692 children diagnosed with ADHD and 18,768 matched controls.
- Calculated odds ratios (OR) to assess the association between ADHD and AD.
Main Results:
- Children with ADHD exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of AD, especially allergic rhinitis (OR=1.81) and allergic conjunctivitis (OR=1.69).
- Atopic dermatitis (OR=1.80) and asthma (OR=1.48) were also associated with a higher risk of ADHD.
- ADHD risk was elevated in urban areas and increased with the number of AD diagnoses and the child's age.
Conclusions:
- A strong association exists between ADHD and atopic diseases in children, with allergic rhinitis being particularly prominent.
- Recognizing these comorbidities is crucial for comprehensive clinical management and reducing disease burden in pediatric patients.
Purpose:
Both atopic diseases (AD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) are common pediatric disorders that may lead to mental and physical complications. This population-based, case-control design is to correlate the risk of ADHD with AD among a pediatric population.
Methods:
By using a Longitudinal Health Insurance Database ranged from 2002 to 2009, 4692 children with ADHD and 18,768 randomly selected controls were enrolled. Odds ratios (OR) of ADHD were calculated for the association with AD.
Results:
The children with ADHD had a higher rate of AD than controls, particularly allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis. The corresponding ORs were 1.81 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-1.93) and 1.69 (95% CI, 1.58-1.81), respectively. Despite the lower prevalence, children with atopic dermatitis and asthma were also at higher risk of ADHD, with ORs of 1.80 (95% CI, 1.58-2.05) and 1.48 (95% CI, 1.24-1.78). Logistic regression analysis estimated ORs showed ADHD risk was higher for those living in urban areas. The risk of ADHD increased with numbers of AD and age.
Conclusions:
Most of the children with ADHD had a strong association with AD, especially allergic rhinitis. Awareness of these comorbidities may help clinicians to provide better comprehensive management and reduce the burden of disease.
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