ADHD in Infants

Is it possible to detect attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD in infants? While that question may initially sound improbable, a long-term study of the sleep patterns in infants identified 27 that had early chronic problems sleeping.  Five years later a fourth of those infants had been diagnosed with ADHD. 

That’s a little higher than the 1 in 20 incidence of ADHD found in the general population. This higher than average result showed a possible link between infants with sleep problems being at risk of developing ADHD more than those children who did not display those characteristics.

The characteristics most often associated are:

• Family psychological and sociological problems
• Difficulties settling down to sleep
• Bedtime routines that drag out

Another area that may contribute to ADHD in infants is a family history of ADHD. Studies have shown that if the father shows signs of ADHD there is a real possibility that the infant will also display subtle signs of ADHD. Treating the ADHD symptoms in the father may be the first step in treating ADHD in the infant.

The signs of ADHD in infants are:

• Lack of interest
• Anger
• Shortened focus on activities

Another possible reason for ADHD in infants is the neurotransmitter, dopamine which is linked to memory, movement and attention. A study from Denmark found that adolescent children with ADHD had measurably higher levels of dopamine receptors.

This was a long-term study that had begun when these children were infants. At that time blood flow in the brain had been measured.  The results showed that infants with measurably less blood flow to the brain were more likely to have a higher number of dopamine receptors when they were older.

These studies have all shown that it is entirely possible to diagnose ADHD in infants based on a number of identifiable characteristics.  In addition to identifying ADHD symptoms in one or more of the parents, sleep problems, lack of focus and anger are all early signs.