PRESENCE OF PRENATAL MATERNAL STRESS INCREASES THE RISK OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADHD SYMPTOMS IN YOUNG CHILDREN

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Psychiatry
• Perinatal mental health

Background:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
• Maternal stress during pregnancy is a potential environmental factor influencing child development.
• Understanding prenatal influences on ADHD is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between maternal stress during pregnancy and the development of ADHD in young children.
• To explore the relationship between the degree and type of maternal stress and ADHD diagnosis.
• To examine the impact of prenatal stress on birth outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 200 children (100 with ADHD, 100 controls) aged 1-6 years.
• ADHD diagnosis confirmed using DSM-IV-R criteria and the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV (DISC-IV).
• Maternal stress levels assessed using DSM-III/DSM-III-R axis IV scales during pregnancy.

Main Results:

• Prenatal stress was associated with an increased risk (RR=2.042) of ADHD in offspring.
• A significant association was found between stress severity and its causes (dependent vs. independent).
• Prenatal stress showed a negative association with infant length and weight at birth.

Conclusions:

• Maternal stress during pregnancy is associated with ADHD symptoms in children.
• Findings support the hypothesis that prenatal stress may program offspring for ADHD development.
• Further research should investigate other prenatal factors contributing to ADHD.