Adverse Childhood Experiences and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Decoding the Association

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most frequent pediatric neurodevelopmental disorder, and it can have a significant impact on the functioning of the individual. In the last years, the association between ADHD and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been studied – potentially traumatic events that occur before age 18. In this review article, we present results from the most recent literature on this topic, addressing the relationship with trauma, explanatory hypotheses and associated brain changes.