ADHD in formerly institutionalized children tied to slower physical and brain growth
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry provides insight into how early-life institutional care affects physical and brain development—and how these developmental patterns are linked to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children who were raised in institutions before being placed in foster care showed delayed physical growth and changes in brain activity, particularly if foster placement occurred later in childhood. These delays were more pronounced in children who went on to develop ADHD, suggesting that prolonged adversity in early life may contribute to lasting differences in both body and brain development. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While it is common in the general population, the condition appears to be significantly more prevalent among children who have experienced early institutionalization. Past studies have already shown that children raised in institutional care are at greater risk of ADHD and physical growth delays, but it has remained unclear whether these outcomes share a common developmental pathway. The present study aimed to explore that link using data …