Intimate Partner Violence Increases ADHD Risk in Children

Children who are exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) or maternal depression during the early stages of their growth are more likely to develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder by the time they enter pre-school, researchers warn parents.

Intimate Partner Violence is a term used to refer to the physical, sexual or psychological damage caused by a partner or a spouse.

Attention deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders affecting the young generation in the country. Children having ADHD experience problems with paying attention, have trouble in controlling impulsive behaviors or act without thinking about the consequences, and experience hyperactivity. The findings come at a time when one in 11 American children is affected with this disorder.

Researchers from Indiana University looked at more than 2,400 children who were part of the Child Health Improvement Through Computer Automation (CHICA) program. Researchers collected information related to IPV and mental status of the parents and the child's psychotropic drug treatment between 2004 and 2012, Health Day reported.

Researchers divided the whole group into different categories, according to incidents of IPV and parental depression or both. They found children who were exposed to IPV and depression from birth to three years more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than others. The results didn't alter, even though other factors like sex, race and ethnicity of children were taken into consideration.

"Exposure to both IPV and depression before age 3 years is associated with preschool-aged onset of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; early exposure to parental depression is associated with being prescribed psychotropic medication," the authors wrote.

The results of the study have been published in JAMA Pediatrics.

Similar to the current study, previous studies have shown the importance of a healthy environment during the early stages to be crucial for a child's healthy growth. In June 2012, a team of researchers from the University of Notre Dame found that children who are exposed to parental conflicts during the kindergarten years become emotionally insecure and are at higher risks of many psychological problems, including depression, anxiety and behavioral problems as teenagers.