Associations Between ADHD Symptoms and Maternal and Birth Outcomes: An Exploratory Analysis in a Multi-Country Cohort of Expectant Mothers. Issue 14 (December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Murray, Aja Louise; Taut, Diana; Baban, Adriana; Hemady, Chad Lance; Walker, Susan; Osafo, Joseph; Sikander, Siham; Tomlinson, Mark; Toit, Stefani Du; Marlow, Marguerite; Ward, Catherine L.; Fernando, Asvini; Madrid, Bernadette; Van Thang, Vo; Tuyen, Hoang Dinh; Dunne, Michael; Hughes, Claire; Fearon, Pasco; Valdebenito, Sara; Eisner, Manuel
• Is Part Of: Journal of attention disorders. Volume 26:Issue 14(2022)
• Page Start: 1882
• Page End: 1894
• Publication Date: 2022-12
• Subjects: ADHD symptoms -- perinatal -- depression -- stress -- social support -- substance use; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Periodicals; Attention -- Periodicals; 616.8589
• DOI: 10.1177/10870547221105064
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1087-0547

Abstract

Objective: ADHD symptoms can adversely impact functioning in a range of domains relevant for maternal well-being and fetal development; however, there has been almost no research examining their impact during pregnancy. We aimed to address this gap. Method: We used data ( n = 1, 204) from a longitudinal birth cohort study spanning eight countries to address this gap. Results: ADHD symptoms in the third trimester of pregnancy were associated with lower social support from family ( b = −0.16, p = .031), friends ( b = −0.16, p = .024), and significant others ( b = −0.09, p = .001); higher stress ( b = 0.34, p < .001) and depressive symptoms ( b = 0.31, p < .001), and increased likelihood of an unwanted pregnancy ( b = 0.30, p = .009). Significant associations with tobacco use ( b = 0.36, p = .023) and premature birth ( b = 0.35, p = .007) did not survive correction for multiple comparisons and there were no significant associations with alcohol use, low birth weight, or unplanned pregnancy. Conclusion: Results suggest that women with ADHD symptoms could benefit from earlier, more regular screening for mental health difficulties and greater mental health support during pregnancy.