New Study Shows Link Between Preemies and ADHD
A recent study from researchers in Sweden shows a definitive link between babies that are born prematurely, and their propensity for developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
ADHD manifests in an inability to pay attention or to control one’s impulsive behaviors. Most children have issues with focus and attention span, but those with ADHD have a severe inability to pay attention. ADHD is currently diagnosed in three to five percent of American school-aged children. It is typically controlled with medication and behavioral therapy.
7,506 Children in Sweden on Meds for ADHD
In this study, a database of more than one million Swedish children between the ages of 6 and 19 showed that 7,506 of them had received medication for ADHD.
Of those with ADHD, it was found that those born between 23 and 28 weeks of pregnancy were at the most risk of developing ADHD. They were two and a half times more likely to develop ADHD than a full term baby.
20% more likely?
The study also showed that those babies born just short of full term, between 37 and 38 weeks, were 20 percent more likely to develop ADHD than full term babies.
The impact of low birth weight, premature birth and the development of ADHD has been studied a few times before, but this research confirmed what had already been suspected. It comes down to this: the earlier a baby is born, the more likely they will be diagnosed with ADHD.
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