ADHD Symptoms in Children: Prenatal Complications, Familial Factors, and School Age
A study has found that the link between low fetal growth rate and symptoms of ADHD in children can be partially explained by factors occurring before birth, such as pregnancy complications, as well as familial characteristics like household income. The study analyzed data from two independent studies and discovered that over a quarter of the association between fetal growth and ADHD symptoms is attributable to familial factors. The impact of prenatal factors differed between the study groups, with pregnancy complications explaining a larger proportion in the US and maternal substance use having a greater impact in Ireland. The findings highlight the need for improved smoking cessation programs and further research to better understand the relationship between fetal growth and ADHD symptoms.