We recently reported of gestational exposure to BPA affecting the behavior of the offspring. Now, this study by scientists from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the City University of New York, has revealed that pregnant women succumbing to diabetes may lead to development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the child.
Another factor that came forward was lower-socio economic status (SES). In this cohort study, almost 212 preschool kids took part and were inspected for 2 variables namely gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and low SES.
There were 3 lines of measurements conducted for deriving the results of the analysis. Firstly, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was accessed to gauge ADHD symptoms at the age of 6 along with many other well-validated measures of neurobehavioral outcomes, ADHD effects, temperament and cognitive functioning.
As per the outcomes of the study, maternal GDM as well as poor SES were apparently linked to a 2-fold rise in risk for ADHD at age 6. However, the GDM link seemed to be more pronounced in SES families than those with higher economic status.
Notably, children exposed to both GDM and SES seemingly had poor intelligence levels, weak language abilities, behavioral and psychological functioning. This group of children also appeared to exhibit addictive interaction, while those in either the GDM or SES group did not presumably show any notable symptoms of ADHD.
The team concluded that maternal GDM and low SES, specifically when combined could pose a higher risk for ADHD in childhood. Therapeutic options ought to be used for mothers with GSM in order to avert suboptimal neurobehavioral development and reduce ADHD risk in offspring.
The study is published in the journal, Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.