Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2025

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development
05:44

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development

Published on: May 17, 2024

474

Postpartum Depression Increases the Risk of Childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis

Darios Getahun1,2, Michael J Fassett3,4, Nana A Mensah5,6

  • 1Department of Research & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, 100 S. Los Robles Avenue, 2nd Floor, Pasadena, CA, 91101, USA. Darios.T.Getahun@kp.org.

Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
|April 17, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Mothers experiencing Postpartum Depression (PPD) have children with a higher risk of developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This association was observed across various demographics, suggesting PPD as a potential indicator for early ADHD intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal Psychiatry
  • Child Neurology
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a significant adverse pregnancy outcome.
  • The correlation between maternal PPD and the development of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in offspring requires further investigation.
  • Understanding this link is crucial for early identification and intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if maternal Postpartum Depression (PPD) increases the risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.
  • To analyze how child's sex, race/ethnicity, and gestational age modify the association between PPD and ADHD.
  • To identify potential early warning signs for ADHD in children born to mothers with PPD.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study utilizing electronic health records of 229,860 singleton births.
  • Inclusion criteria: children aged 3-12 years, delivered between 01/01/2010-12/31/2019.
  • Ascertainment of PPD and ADHD using ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM codes and pharmacy records; incidence rates and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) calculated.

Main Results:

  • Children of mothers with PPD had a significantly higher incidence of ADHD (8.85/1000 person-years) compared to those without PPD (5.18/1000 person-years), with an aHR of 1.76 (95% CI: 1.66-1.86).
  • PPD was associated with increased ADHD risk in children born prematurely (29-32 weeks: aHR=1.61; 33-36 weeks: aHR=1.72).
  • The association between PPD and increased ADHD risk was consistent across all racial/ethnic groups and both sexes.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal Postpartum Depression (PPD) is associated with an elevated risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in offspring.
  • PPD may serve as a valuable indicator for identifying children who could benefit from early ADHD surveillance and intervention.
  • Further research is necessary to elucidate a potential causal relationship or shared risk factors between PPD and ADHD.

Keywords:
ADHDEthnicityNeurodevelopmentPostpartum depressionPregnancyRaceRisk factors

More Related Videos

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents07:30

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

Published on: June 10, 2013

24.7K
Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants06:39

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

3.0K

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
23
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
14
Bipolar Disorder01:30

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
30
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
34
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder01:27

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
16
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)01:27

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) serves as the primary classification system for mental health disorders, providing standardized diagnostic criteria for clinicians and researchers. First published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1952, the DSM has undergone several revisions to reflect evolving psychiatric understanding. The fifth edition, DSM-5, released in 2013, introduced key updates that expanded diagnostic categories and modified diagnostic...
24