Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) more commonly diagnosed in adopted children? One study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that of 808 adopted children, ages 4-18 years, 21 percent had enough behavioral symptoms to qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. This is twice the rate in the general child population. (This study was based on extensive parent questionnaires.) An analysis of risk factors showed that those with behavioral symptoms usually had pre-adoptive risk factors such as history of abuse or neglect, later age at adoption, prenatal drug exposure and/or multiple foster placements. Still, experts advise being cautious … Continue reading →