Does environmental exposures in early childhood influence the risk of later development of ADHD?

2021.02.19 | Graduate School of Health

On Friday 12 March at 13:00, Malene Thygesen defends her PhD dissertation entitled "Environmental Exposures in Early Childhood and their Association with ADHD".

ADHD is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder, which is estimated to affect 5 to 7% of all children and between 2.5 and 5% of adults worldwide. ADHD is characterised by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity to a degree that is disturbing for an individual's functioning. The reasons why some children develop ADHD are still largely unknown, but it is believed that the development of ADHD may be a consequence of an interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. The aim of this PhD dissertation was to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of different environmental exposures on the development of ADHD by investigating early life exposure to air pollution (NO2 and PM2.5), 17 different trace elements in drinking water and the level of green space in the residential surroundings, and later development of ADHD. The results from this PhD dissertation suggested that exposure to higher levels of NO2 and PM2.5 may be associated with an increased risk of later development of ADHD, with the association being most pronounced in relation to NO2. As opposed to this, higher levels of green space surrounding the residential address may have a potential protective effect in relation to developing ADHD. Finally, the project did not find any evidence of an association between exposure to any of the trace elements under investigation and later development of ADHD.      

The summary is written by the PhD student.    

The defence is public and takes place online via Zoom. Please read the attached press release for more information.

Contact:

PhD student Malene Thygesen

Mail: mthygesen@ph.au.dk

Phone: (+45) 87166061

Read full press release