Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2025

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

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Neonatal neurobehavior and infant temperament amongst offspring born to parents with and without ADHD

Heather M Joseph1, Michelle A Wilson2, Jihui Diaz1

  • 1University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychiatry, United States.

Infant Behavior & Development
|May 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Early detection of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) risk is possible. Neonatal neurobehavioral assessments may predict later infant temperament issues associated with ADHD, enabling earlier intervention for better outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Pediatric psychology
  • Behavioral neuroscience

Background:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent childhood neurodevelopmental condition.
  • Early identification of ADHD risk is crucial for timely intervention and prevention of impairments.
  • Neonatal neurobehavior and infant temperament are potential early indicators of later ADHD risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between neonatal neurobehavioral assessments and infant temperament traits.
  • To explore if these early markers can predict later ADHD-associated behavioral and emotional dysregulation.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed 78 neonates (43-49 weeks postmenstrual age) using the NeoNatal Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS-II).
  • Included neonates with and without a parental history of ADHD (increased likelihood of childhood ADHD).
  • Collected infant temperament data at 7-10 months using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in neonatal neurobehavior were found between offspring of parents with and without ADHD.
  • Infants of parents with ADHD exhibited less effortful control and greater negative affect.
  • Neonatal self-regulation and central nervous system stress signs correlated with infant temperament traits.

Conclusions:

  • Early neurobehavioral signals in the neonatal period may indicate risk for later behavioral and emotional dysregulation.
  • These findings suggest potential for early detection of ADHD-related risk factors.
  • Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these neurobehavioral presentations as predictors of childhood ADHD.

Keywords:
ADHDInfantNNNSNeonatal neurobehavior

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