Risk factors for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a case-control study in 5 to 12 years old children

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Pediatric psychiatry
• Genetics and environmental factors in child development

Background:

• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
• Identifying risk factors is crucial for early intervention and prevention strategies in pediatric populations.
• Previous research has explored various genetic and environmental influences, but specific associations require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and identify key risk factors associated with the development of ADHD in children.
• To compare potential risk factors between children diagnosed with ADHD and a control group of non-ADHD children.
• To provide empirical evidence for factors contributing to ADHD etiology.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted with 297 children diagnosed with ADHD and 297 matched controls.
• Participants were children aged 5-12 years recruited from psychiatric and pediatric centers in Tehran, Iran.
• The ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD-RS-IV)-Home Version confirmed ADHD diagnosis, and conditional binary logistic regression analyzed risk factors.

Main Results:

• Children with ADHD exhibited significantly higher mean birth weight compared to controls (P=0.045).
• High birth weight (>3500g) was associated with a 3.36-fold increased odds of ADHD, while low birth weight (<2500g) did not show a statistically significant association.
• Additional risk factors identified include preterm delivery, neonatal disease, lower maternal education levels, and fewer offspring.

Conclusions:

• Preterm birth, neonatal disease, high birth weight, lower maternal education, and fewer offspring are significant risk factors for ADHD.
• These findings highlight the importance of considering prenatal and early life factors in ADHD development.
• The study underscores the need for targeted interventions for children exposed to these risk factors.