Assessing the Magnitude of Risk for ADHD in Offspring of Parents with ADHD: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Mai Uchida, Haley Driscoll, Maura DiSalvo, Aarya Rajalakshmim, Marco Maiello, Vincenza Spera, Joseph Biederman
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to examine the body of knowledge on the prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in "high-risk" children whose parents are diagnosed with ADHD. This knowledge could aid early identification for children presenting with ADHD symptoms at a young age. We conducted a systematic search of the literature assessing high-risk children. Included were original articles published in English with the main aim to assess prevalence of ADHD in high risk children. In addition, a meta-analysis was conducted to examine this prevalence. Four articles met our inclusion and exclusion criteria all suggesting an increased prevalence of ADHD in children of parents with ADHD. The meta-analysis also confirmed the increased prevalence of ADHD in high-risk children. The literature indicates that children of ADHD parents have an increased risk of developing ADHD compared to control children.