Abstract
The relation between thyroid function biomarkers and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents is currently unclear. Cross-sectional data from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS Baseline) was analyzed to assess the association between thyroid function biomarkers and ADHD in a population-based, nationally representative sample. The study cohort included 11,588 children and adolescents with 572 and 559 having an ADHD diagnosis or symptoms, respectively. ADHD symptoms were assessed through the Inattention/Hyperactivity subscale of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. ADHD diagnosis was determined by a physician or psychologist. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), and free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations were determined enzymatically. Adjusted regression models were used to relate serum TSH, fT3, and fT4 with risk for ADHD diagnosis or symptoms. In children, a 1 mIU/l higher TSH was related to a 10% lower risk (odds ratio [OR] 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.81–1.00) of ADHD diagnosis. We found a significant positive association between fT3 and continuously assessed ADHD symptoms in children (β 0.08; 95% CI 0.03–0.14). Our results suggest that physical maturity may influence the association between thyroid function biomarkers and risk for ADHD.
Highlights
The relation between thyroid function biomarkers and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents is currently unclear
In our population a total of 420 children and 152 adolescents were diagnosed with ADHD while 486 children and 73 adolescents showed ADHD symptoms
ADHD diagnosis and ADHD symptoms, were born during an earlier gestational week, weighted less at birth and had a lower socioeconomic status compared to controls
Summary
The relation between thyroid function biomarkers and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents is currently unclear. Maternal (overt) hyperthyroidism[14,15], high thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration during pregnancy[16], and maternal autoimmune thyroiditis[17] in early pregnancy increase the offspring’s risk for ADHD. Though there is an association between maternal thyroid dysfunction and offspring A DHD18, the knowledge on the association between iodine intake in pregnancy and offspring’s risk of diagnosed ADHD is sparse. A large Norwegian cohort study did not find a significant association with maternal iodine intake and child ADHD diagnosis but with s ymptoms[19]. Inadequate maternal iodine intake and increased risk of ADHD symptoms in children is suggested by previous r esearch[14]
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