Adverse Childhood Experiences and ADHD Diagnosis at Age 9 Years in a National Urban Sample

Abstract

Objective To examine associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at age 9 years using longitudinal data and assess the extent to which ACEs during middle childhood are independently associated with ADHD at age 9 years. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Fragile Families urban birth cohort 5- and 9-year interviews. The sample was limited to children for whom mothers were the primary caregiver and mother-reported information on 8 ACEs and ADHD were available at age 5 and 9 years. We examined associations between ACEs and parent-reported ADHD at age 9 years using logistic regression and controlling for potential confounders. Results We included 1572 children; 48% were African American, 11% had parent-reported ADHD at age 9 years, 41% and 42% experienced ≥1 ACE by age 5 years and between the ages of 5 and 9 years, respectively. ACEs before age 5 years were associated with ADHD at age 9 years. One, 2, and ≥3 ACEs between age 5 and 9 years were associated with ADHD at age 9 years even after controlling for ACEs before age 5 years and ADHD at age 5 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2–3; AOR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2–3.8; and AOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1–4.3). Conclusions In this study of urban children, ACEs occurring before age 5 years as well as between the ages of 5 and 9 years were associated with ADHD at age 9 years. Even after controlling for early childhood ACEs and ADHD at age 5 years, the association between ADHD and ACEs in middle childhood remained significant, highlighting the importance of screening and intervention throughout childhood.

Closed-loop digital meditation for neurocognitive and behavioral development in adolescents with childhood neglect

“…More recent research demonstrates that adversity specifically in the form of neglect, but not abuse, is related to cognitive dysfunction [4][5][6] . During the adolescent years, such adverse experiences even manifest as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 7,8 .…”

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“…For example, ACE is more likely to cause future mental illnesses, such as depression, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), and negative emotions, such as depression and anxiety. 3 , 4 In addition, studies have shown that ACEs are associated with physical inflammation and other physical health conditions. 5 …”

Association of Adverse Childhood Experience and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with depressive symptoms among men who have sex with men in China: moderated mediation effect of resilience

“…Adverse childhood experience has been identified to relate to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [13, 17, 18]. It was found that children who experienced socioeconomic hardship, parental divorce, familial mental illness, neighborhood violence, and incarceration had higher risk for ADHD [18].…”

“…It was found that children who experienced socioeconomic hardship, parental divorce, familial mental illness, neighborhood violence, and incarceration had higher risk for ADHD [18]. Individuals who reported more ACE exposures were more likely to experience the symptoms of ADHD [17, 18]. Furthermore, a significant association between ADHD and depressive symptoms has also been found.…”