ADHD Is More Common in Kids with Adverse Childhood Experiences

Population-based studies show links between ACEs and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder risk, both cross-sectionally and over time.

Children with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as poverty, maltreatment, or parent mental illness/substance abuse have more negative mental and physical health outcomes. Mechanisms include effects of elevated stress hormones on brain areas that control executive function, emotion regulation, and memory — deficits all found in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Researchers address the link between ACEs and ADHD in two recent U.S. population-based studies.

In a cross-sectional study, researchers analyzed data provided by caregivers of approximately 76,000 children aged 4 to 17 years in a national telephone survey. ACEs were associated with parent-reported ADHD diagnosis in a graded fashion; adjusted odds ratios were 1.6,…

Reviewing Author

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

Jenny Radesky, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMelissa & Doug Toys (Consultant and Board of Directors)

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute for Child Health and Development; National Institutes of Health

ADHD Is More Common in Kids with Adverse Childhood Experiences

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Reviewing Author