Comparing Obstetrical Outcomes Between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder: A...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Perinatal Health

Background:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is prevalent in women of reproductive age.
• Previous research has not differentiated between ADHD and ADD symptom clusters.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for managing reproductive-aged women with ADHD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare perinatal outcomes between women diagnosed with ADHD and those diagnosed with ADD.
• To investigate the association between ADHD symptom clusters and maternal/neonatal complications.
• To identify specific risks associated with ADHD during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective population-based study using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project-Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) from 2004-2014.
• Analysis of deliveries and maternal deaths, comparing outcomes for ADD and ADHD diagnoses.
• Multivariate logistic regression to control for confounding factors.

Main Results:

• Women with ADHD were younger, more likely to be Black, of lower socioeconomic status, and to use tobacco/illicit drugs during pregnancy.
• ADHD diagnosis was associated with increased rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs), preterm delivery, maternal infection, and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates.
• Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was observed for all compared outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Women with ADHD experience a higher incidence of maternal and neonatal complications compared to women with ADD.
• Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm delivery, and SGA neonates are significant risks for pregnant women with ADHD.
• Further research and targeted interventions are needed for pregnant women with ADHD.