The Effect of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy on the Risk of ADHD in the Offspring

Objective: Evidence suggests that perinatal factors may contribute to the development of ADHD. Our objective was to examine the association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and ADHD, and behavioral difficulties among 7-year-old children. Method: The study cohort consisted of 13,192 children (weighted = 13,500) who participated in the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) at age 7. HDP (raised blood pressure, preeclampsia, eclampsia, and toxemia) were reported by mothers 9 months postdelivery. ADHD was reported by parents at age 7 years. Weighted logistic regression models were used to assess the association. Results: In all, 1,069 (7.9%) women reported HDP and 166 (1.2%) children h…