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Child attachment and ADHD: a systematic review

Jean-Francois Wylock1,2, Ayala Borghini3, Hichem Slama4,5

  • 1UR2NF-Neuropsychology and Functional Neuroimaging Research Group at CRCN-Research Centre in Cognitive Neurosciences, UNI-ULB Neurosciences Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium. jean-francois.wylock@huderf.be.

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|April 12, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This review found a link between attachment styles and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children. However, the exact nature of this relationship requires further investigation, with confounding factors playing a role.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Attachment Theory

Background:

  • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with complex genetic and environmental origins.
  • Early parent-child relationships are increasingly suggested to influence ADHD symptom expression.

Approach:

  • A systematic review of studies published between 2000 and 2019 was conducted.
  • Studies examining the link between attachment and ADHD in children were selected based on specific inclusion criteria.
  • Research involving adopted, institutionalized, or mistreated children was excluded.

Key Points:

  • A significant association was observed between attachment styles and ADHD symptoms, including inattentiveness and hyperactivity.
  • Confounding factors such as comorbidities, cognitive challenges, and contextual elements often provided better explanations for the observed associations.
  • Methodological choices in assessing attachment and parental mental health influenced study outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • While evidence suggests a connection between attachment type and ADHD symptoms in children, the precise nature of this link remains elusive.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the relationship, considering potential confounding variables and methodological nuances.

Keywords:
ADHDAttachmentChildReview

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