Pre- and postnatal risk factors for ADHD in a nonclinical pediatric population.
OBJECTIVE
The authors characterized pre- and postnatal risk factors for ADHD among a population-based sample of 8-year-old children followed since birth (N = 604).


METHODS
Parents and teachers rated ADHD symptoms, including inattention and impulsivity/hyperactivity. The authors reviewed pediatric medical records for history of an ADHD diagnosis, and parents reported ADHD medication use. The authors analyzed risk factors in relationship to outcomes using multivariable regression models.


RESULTS
Low paternal education, prenatal smoking, prenatal illicit drug use, maternal depression, and low Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment score were associated with greater risk for ADHD behaviors assessed via rating scale. Low income and being male were associated with ADHD diagnosis in medical records and ADHD medication use.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors found associations between socioeconomic, psychosocial, and prenatal exposures and ADHD-related behavior. Selection bias due to access to care and recall bias from inaccurate report of past exposures is minimized in this large, nonclinical, prospective cohort study.
Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, MA 02118, USA. sagiv@bu.edu
Sharon K
SK
Sagiv
Jeff N
JN
Epstein
David C
DC
Bellinger
Susan A
SA
Korrick
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011584:Psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications