PSYCHIATRIC-DISORDERS AT 5 YEARS AMONG CHILDREN WITH BIRTH-WEIGHTS LESS-THAN 1000G - A REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE

  • 1 November 1990
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 32  (11) , 954-962
Abstract
The relationship between extremely low birthweight (ELBW) and psychiatric disorder was investigated in a cohort of children of 500 and 1000 g birthweight, born between 1980 and 1982. At five years of age data were collected for 82 to 90 survivors on psychiatric symptoms, parent-reported developmental delay and various aspects of psychosocial disadvantage. Compared with controls, ELBW children did not come from more disadvantaged environments, but were much more likely to experience developmental delay and problems with motor co-ordination. 16 per cent had an attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADDH), compared with 6.9 per cent of controls. Rates of conduct disorder and emotional disorder were not raised, indicting that ELBW is a specific risk factor for ADDH. Controlling for the effect of neurodevelopmental problems rendered the association between ELBW and ADDH non-significant.

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