Differences between adopted children and non-adopted children related to attention-deficit disorder with hyperactivity. The importance of the effect of deprivation.

Introduction: Multiple studies have demonstrated that adopted children develop behavioral and we think that they have a more risk of develop of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Objectives: The objective of this paper is to study if there is a higher frequency of ADHD in adopted than non-adopted children and in that case, which risk factors increase the vulnerability. Methods: A bibliographic search was performed from different database (Pubmed, TripDatabase) about both populations, looking for vulnerability factors for the development of ADHD. Results: We found more ADHDon adopted children than children raised in their biological families. This finding might be because of risk factors related with adopted children, like prenatal alcohol exposure and a maintained state of deprivation (from no social or cognitive stimulation, to maltreatment). In addition, the prevalence and levels of ADHD symptoms are increased in children who have been institutionalized early life, because it can disturb the development of some brain regions, and children who have spent more time in these institutions (more than 6 months). We found that de prevalence of ADHD symptoms between adopted children with low level of deprivation were similar to the general population (5.6%), while individuals with high level of deprivation had over four times than the others (20%). Conclusions: In conclusion, adopted children have more risk to develop ADHD, especially if they have been exposed to a serious deprivation, on a earlier age and six months minimum. We should put more attention in this population to act early and supply an appropriate development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]