Did you know that a baby’s low birth rate may have surprisingly lingering effects? Those born with extremely low birth rate may have lifelong mental health issues later on in life. In a study involving children from 12 countries, it was discovered that babies with very low birth weights were likely to develop ADHD and have social issues as well.
Low birth weight can cause future learning issues.
In addition, the extremely low birth weight babies later had much higher risks of developing anxiety, depression, and even shyness. Incidentally researchers did not find a cause and effect. Instead they merely found an association. As a result, babies born low in weight should be monitored closely for any potential problems.
According to a Health24 review, ADHD is caused by differences in neurotransmitter patterns in certain parts of the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that make it possible for nerve impulses to travel from one nerve cell to another, and therefore play an essential role in the functioning of the brain.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Research suggests that low birth weights can be linked to ADHD.
- The research shows that babies with a lower birth weight are more likely to develop ADHD as children.
- This same demographic is more likely to experience social problems in their teenage years.
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A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your child might need formal accommodations (an IEP or 504 plan), or you suspect a vision, hearing or medical cause, pursue a professional evaluation too. That is the only route to those supports.
