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Apgar Scores Are Associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptom Severity

Natalie Grizenko1, Maria Loren Eberle2, Marie-Eve Fortier3

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec Natalie.Grizenko@douglas.mcgill.ca.

Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|June 3, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Low Apgar scores at birth are linked to increased attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom severity in diagnosed children. This highlights the importance of prenatal and perinatal care for ADHD risk and management.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Pediatric neurology
  • Perinatal health

Background:

  • Adverse pregnancy and delivery events are associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Previous research explored the link between Apgar scores and ADHD risk.
  • The current study investigates Apgar scores in relation to ADHD symptom severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between Apgar scores and ADHD symptom severity in children diagnosed with ADHD.
  • To determine if Apgar scores predict the intensity of ADHD symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Compared ADHD symptom severity in children with low (≤6) versus higher (≥7) Apgar scores.
  • Recruited participants from an ADHD clinic.
  • Assessed symptom severity while participants were off medication.

Main Results:

  • Children with low 1-minute Apgar scores exhibited more severe ADHD symptoms.
  • Severity was measured using the Child Behaviour Checklist, Conners' Global Index for Parents, and DSM-IV hyperactivity counts.
  • Significant associations were found for all measures (P = 0.02, <0.01, <0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Low 1-minute Apgar scores are significantly associated with increased ADHD symptom severity.
  • These findings emphasize the critical role of optimal pregnancy and perinatal care.
  • Apgar scores may serve as an early indicator for potential ADHD symptom intensity.
Abstract

Keywords:
Apgar scoresattention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderdelivery complicationssymptom severity

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