Utilization of maternal perinatal risk indicators in the differential diagnosis of ADHD and UADD children.

The purpose of this study was to differentiate between children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), children with Undifferentiated Attention-Deficit Disorder (UADD) and a control group using maternal perinatal information. The sample consisted of 74 ADHD, 56 UADD, and 135 normal children between the ages of 6 years, 5 months and 13 years, 4 months. The results supported the use of maternal perinatal information in the diagnosis of attention disorders. More specifically, the greater the number of medical conditions prior or during their pregnancy the more likely a child was diagnosed with an attention deficit disorder. In addition, if the mother experienced moderate emotional stress or smoked cigarettes during pregnancy the child was more likely to be diagnosed with an attention deficit disorder.