Preschoolers who struggle with tantrums and emotional control are more likely to develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by the time they reach school age, according to a new study.
The study, which examined data from about 19,000 children born in the U.K. between 2000 and 2002, suggests that children with difficulty managing their emotions may show more symptoms of ADHD by the age of 7. These children were also found to be at higher risk for other emotional issues, such as anxiety and sadness.
“Children develop emotion regulation skills gradually, starting early in life,” said Aja Murray, lead researcher and psychology lecturer at the University of Edinburgh. “However, children acquire these skills at different rates, and those who develop them more slowly may be at higher risk for neurodevelopmental and mental health issues.”
The research highlights a clear link between a child’s difficulty in managing emotions and a higher likelihood of ADHD symptoms. Children who struggled more with emotional regulation were found to have a greater risk of developing ADHD, even after accounting for other potential risk factors.
Murray noted that the findings could lead to early identification of children at risk for ADHD. “By tracking emotion regulation development, we may be able to identify children who need additional support or therapy to manage their emotional and behavioral challenges,” she said.
The study, published in *Development and Psychopathology*, suggests that monitoring children’s emotional growth from an early age could be key in preventing or addressing mental health issues, including ADHD.
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