ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between pre- and perinatal factors and ADHD in a sample of scholars exploring differences between ADHD presentations and spectrum of severity. A total of 6720 scholars (aged 3-4 and 10-11) participated in a double-phase epidemiologic cross-sectional study (Epidemiological Study of Neurodevelopmental Disorders, EPINED), and a sample of 646 scholars (ADHD risk, ASD risk and controls without risk) were individually assessed in the second phase of the study. The ADHD diagnosis, based on DSM-5 criteria, was performed with the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders & Schizophrenia, Present & Lifetime Version. Associations for the different ADHD presentations between prenatal, perinatal and postnatal factors and ADHD (n = 168), subclinical ADHD (n = 88) and non-ADHD (n = 310) were analysed. Logistic regression models showed that gestational diabetes (p = 0.012), instrumental delivery (p = 0.011), family history of psychopathology (p = 0.033) and maternal ADHD phenotype (p = 0.023) were associated with ADHD. These factors were related to the hyperactive-impulsive and combined presentations, but they were not related to the inattentive presentation. Maternal weight gain was associated with subclinical ADHD. In conclusion, metabolic disorder in the pregnancy, difficulties in childbirth and specific family phenotype were related to ADHD, specifically with hyperactive-impulsive presentation, but not in subclinical ADHD.
