Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and child maltreatment: a review

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder of childhood with a prevalence rate of 5 % among school-age children. This disorder have a strong impact on parent-child relationships. This review synthesizes recent research evidence regarding the rate of child abuse among ADHD children. At least one per 30 chidren have been maltreated in a general population. All authors are asking for better prevention of abuse by a better knowledge of which children are at greater risk of abuse. ADHD children, like children with disabilities, are most frequently maltreated. In this group of children, abuse are often associated with co-occurrence of oppositionnal defiant disorder (ODD) or behavioral difficulties. Maltreated ADHD children have an increased risk of substance use disorders (SUDs) at adolescence. Through this review, we hypothesize about the reasons of an increased risk of abuse by ADHD children. With our clinical experience, we will try to plan prevention and detection strategies about abuse in ADHD children, which have a strong impact on children's pronostic.