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Maternal Depression, Violence at Home May Raise Child's ADHD Risk

Study found kids who were exposed to one or both before the age of 3 were more likely to be diagnosed by 6

February 7, 2013 RSS Feed Print

Dr. Rachel Klein, professor of child and adolescent psychiatry at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, said the study shows an association based on how parents answered certain questions, but it can't say how, or even if, maternal depression and intimate partner violence predict a child's risk of ADHD.

"If parents are worried, ask the pediatrician to evaluate your child for possible ADHD or refer the child to a mental health professional," she added.

More information

Learn more about ADHD and its treatments at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.