Childhood Neglect in Individuals with ADHD and Related Neurodevelopmental Conditions: A Scoping Review

This scoping review investigates the relationship between childhood maltreatment, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Related Neurodevelopmental Outcomes. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across five databases (PsycNET, Social Services Abstracts, ERIC, PubMed, and EBSCO) using a broad set of search terms related to ADHD, maltreatment, and childhood. The review included peer-reviewed articles published in English over the past 10 years, Studies published between January 2015 and February 2025 were included. The final database search was completed on March 1, 2025. The studies examined maltreatment in children with ADHD. Of the 854 initially identified studies, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis revealed three major findings: (1) various forms of maltreatment are strongly associated with increased risk and severity of ADHD symptoms; (2) mediating factors such as genetic predisposition, family dynamics, and emotional reactivity shape this relationship; and (3) maltreatment contributes to the persistence of ADHD symptoms and comorbid conditions into adulthood. These findings underscore the need for early trauma-informed interventions that address both biological and environmental influences on ADHD development.