Risk of ADHD in children

Children who grow up living near green spaces may have lower risk of developing ADHD, study finds

• Children who grow up near green spaces are less likely to develop ADHD
• Team at Aarhus University, Denmark, analysed data from 800,000 children
• ADHD is behavioural condition which is usually first diagnosed in childhood

Children who grow up surrounded by green spaces are less likely to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a new Danish study has found.

Researchers at Aarhus University in Denmark found children under five who had been exposed to fewer green surroundings in their early childhood were more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis compared to those who grew up around nature.  

During their study, which is the largest of its kind to date, researchers analysed the data of 800,000 children born between 1992 – 2007 alongside information on clinical ADHD diagnoses.  

They also measured how green the environment around each child’s household was. 

Researchers at Aarhus University in Denmark found children under five who had been exposed to fewer green surroundings in their early childhood were more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis. (Stock image)

Lead researcher Malene Thygesen said: ‘Our findings show that children who have been exposed to less green surroundings in their residential area in early childhood, which we define as lasting up until age five, have an increased risk of receiving an ADHD diagnosis when compared to children who have been surrounded by the highest level of green space.   

‘In the study we adjusted for gender, age, the child’s year of birth, and the parents’ psychiatric diagnosis and socio-economic status, and neighbourhood level socio-economic status.’ 

While the study does show a link between green environments and a child’s risk of developing ADHD, scientists at the Danish university said a single study did not yet provide concrete evidence.

Malene Thygesen continued: ‘Our study is strong because it includes many individuals and because the information is very detailed. For example, we use data based on clinical diagnoses of ADHD made by specialists.’

The researcher added: ‘It’s interesting to think that living in green environments may be a protective factor for children in relation to the risk of developing ADHD.’

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition which is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood – with most cases diagnosed when children are 6 to 12 years old.

Symptoms of ADHD include having a short attention span and being easily distracted, appearing forgetful or losing things, being unable to stick to tasks that are tedious, appearing to be unable to listen and constantly changing activity or task. 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition which is usually first diagnosed in childhood. (Stock image)

The latest study come less than a year after scientists at Harvard Medical School found associations between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-related behaviour and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, especially phthalates.  

Phthalates are typically added to plastics to improve their flexibility, transparency, durability and longevity.

According to the team, the problematic chemicals act like artificial hormones — with phthalates in particular interfering with the normal activity of androgens. 

‘Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are used in a wide variety of consumer products resulting in ubiquitous exposure,’ paper author and epidemiologist Jessica Shoaff of the Harvard Medical School and colleagues wrote in their paper.

‘The study findings suggest that exposure to some of these chemicals, particularly certain phthalates, during adolescence may be associated with behaviours characteristic of ADHD.’

‘The identification of modifiable risk factors for ADHD is of great public health importance,’ they continued.    

ABOUT ATTENTION-DEFICIT / HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

It affects around five per cent of children in the US. Some 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls suffer in the UK. 

Symptoms typically appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. These can also include:

• Constant fidgeting 
• Poor concentration
• Excessive movement or talking
• Acting without thinking
• Little or no sense of danger 
• Careless mistakes
• Forgetfulness 
• Difficulty organising tasks
• Inability to listen or carry out instructions 

Most cases are diagnosed between six and 12 years old. Adults can also suffer, but there is less research into this.

ADHD’s exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve genetic mutations that affect a person’s brain function and structure.

Premature babies and those with epilepsy or brain damage are more at risk. 

ADHD is also linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette’s and epilepsy.  

There is no cure. 

A combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended to relieve symptoms and make day-to-day life easier. 

Source: NHS Choices 

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