Share

Babies with low birth weight more likely to develop ADHD

accreditation
iStock

Extremely low birth weight babies may be at increased risk for mental health problems later in life, a new review suggests.

Neurotransmitter patterns

Researchers examined 41 studies conducted from 1990 to 2016. The studies included more than 2,700 extremely low birth weight babies (less than 1,000 grams, or just over 2 pounds) and more than 11,000 normal birth weight babies in the United States, Canada and 10 other countries.

The extremely low birth weight babies had a higher risk for certain mental health problems. As children, they were more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and as teens they had a greater risk of ADHD and social problems, the researchers found.

According to a Health24 review, ADHD is caused by differences in neurotransmitter patterns in certain parts of the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that make it possible for nerve impulses to travel from one nerve cell to another, and therefore play an essential role in the functioning of the brain.

ADHD is a neurological syndrome, found in children as well as adults, that is characterised by poor concentration and organisational skills, easy distractibility, low tolerance for frustration or boredom, a greater tendency to say or do whatever comes to mind (impulsivity) and a predilection for situations with high intensity.

More anxiety, depression and shyness

Compared to adults who were born at a normal weight, those born at an extremely low weight had higher rates of anxiety, depression and shyness, and markedly lower levels of social functioning, according to the study.

The study authors stressed that although they found a higher risk, many extremely low birth weight babies would not develop mental health problems later in life. Also, the study didn't find a cause-and-effect relationship, just an association.

The findings were published in the journal Psychological Bulletin.

"Our findings provide evidence that individuals born at extremely low birth weight are at higher overall risk for psychological difficulties than their normal birth weight peers. These difficulties most frequently involve attention, anxiety-related and social problems," lead author Karen Mathewson said in a journal news release. She's a research associate at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Stress triggered during infancy

The apparent increased risk of mental health problems may be due to stress-triggered biological responses during infancy, she suggested.

"It is important that families and health care providers be aware of the potential for early emerging mental health problems in extremely low birth weight survivors, and that some of these individuals may not grow out of these problems as they get older," Mathewson said.

"As a result, it is essential that appropriate treatment be made available to those who require it as early in life as possible," she said.

Read More:

Preemie babies at risk of developing asthma

Near-term babies still have higher risk of ADHD

Does my child have ADHD?

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE