Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder in Adopted Romanian Children Living in The Netherlands

Abstract

The occurrence of symptoms of Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in eighty children adopted from Romania was studied. Their average age on arrival was 2.10 and at the start of this study 8 years. The 72 parent-couples (response 83%) were extensively interviewed and filled out the Dutch ADHD-questionnaire and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Twelve of the 80 participant children (15%, eleven boys and one girl) clearly showed symptoms of ADHD. In addition they exhibited more Externalizing Behavior (CBCL) than the remaining 68 children (75% vs. 25%). These 12 children more often attended special education than the others (67% vs. 25%). The ADHD children also showed less recovery over time. Ten of the twelve ADHD children also showed comorbidity, i.e., symptoms of posttraumatic stress reaction, post institutionalized autism and other behavioral disorders. The ADHD children needed more professional care than the remaining 68 children. Their parents, however, judged the received care more negatively than the Other parents.