Can ADHD Risk Be Predicted at Birth?

A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics has indicated that it may be possible to predict the possibility of a child developing ADHD very soon after birth. The Apgar score of a newborn could indicate ADHD risk, according to the findings of the study.

adhd riskThe Apgar (an acronym that stands for Appearance, Pulse, Grimace,  Activity, Respiration) score is a 10 point scale that rates a baby’s health and general well being immediately after birth, based on certain parameters such as skin color, respiration, reflexes, pulse and heart rate and so on.

The study claims that babies who had a high Apgar score were likely to have lower ADHD risk, whereas those babies who has a lower score of between one and four, were seen to have a 75% higher risk of developing ADHD.

ADHD stands of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is a neurobehavioral development disorder that is characterized by hyperactivity and problems with paying attention. 5% of premature babies go on to develop ADHD.

The first symptoms of ADHD start to manifest by age 7, however it may be possible to predict the condition earlier now with the Apgar score which is also used to predict other conditions such as epilepsy, mental retardation and cerebral palsy.

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