Understanding the association between adverse childhood experiences and subsequent attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies

OBJECTIVES: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood, which may be related to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Our study aims to explore the association between ACEs and subsequent ADHD, and analyze the potential moderators. METHODS: Literature search was conducted by a combined computer‐assisted and manual method. Studies were included if they had reported the association between ACEs and subsequent ADHD. Overall estimates of odds ratios (ORs) were obtained using random‐effects meta‐analyses, meta‐regressions and further stratified analyses were conducted to examine potential moderator variables. RESULTS: Totals of 70 studies involving nearly 4 million participants from among 6,452 unique articles were included. In the primary analyses, ACEs were found to be associated with subsequent ADHD (OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.54–1.83), and the negative effects of different forms of ACEs for ADHD were nonequivalent. Such as lived in the stepfamily, been adopted or fostered, and experienced sexual abuse were more deleterious than others. It was found that individuals who had experienced multiple ACEs or who are female were more vulnerable to ADHD. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide critical evidence for understanding the association between ACEs and ADHD. ACEs could increase the susceptibility of ADHD, especially for individuals who ever experienced multiple ACEs and females.