J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2002 Mar;41(2):263-273.

Pregnancy, Delivery and Perinatal Risk Factors Associated with Symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Community Study

• Kim BN

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This community based study was conducted to evaluate the association between pre- and perinatal factors and symptoms of ADHD. METHOD: 1800 children from 10 elementary schools in an urban community were recruited by randomized sampling method. We evaluated the symptoms of ADHD by Child Behavior Check List, Disruptive behavior disorder scale from 2 sources (parent & teacher). A thorough evaluation of perinatal problems was carried out. Data were analyzed by appropriate statistical method using SPSS 10.0 window version. RESULT: In the pre- & peri-natal events, boy, low SES, use of forceps, emotional stress, prolonged labor time and postpartum depression were significantly more frequent in attention deficit group compared to normal group. After controlling sex and SES, further analyses we revealed emotional stress, prolonged labor, and postpartum depression as risk factors of ADHD symptoms.
CONCLUSION
These findings implied that pre- & perinatal biological and environmental risk factors could be symptom risk factors of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Further research should prove the etiological association of these factors.

Keyword

ADHD; Pre and perinatal risk factor; Community

MeSH Terms

Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
Child
Child Behavior
Depression, Postpartum
Female
Humans
Male
Pregnancy*
Risk Factors*
Stress, Psychological
Surgical Instruments