United States: A recent study also points at the correlation of the emotion regulation difficulties in young children and the prognosis of getting adhd by the school going age. The authors point out that it may be helpful to identify these children as early as possible and intervene.
Emotional Struggles Linked to ADHD
Children who display frequent tantrums and difficulty managing emotions at ages four and five may be more likely to exhibit ADHD symptoms by age seven, according to the study. These children also showed a greater predisposition to feelings of sadness or worry as they grew older, as reported by HealthDay.
“Emotion regulation skills are acquired early and develop over time,” explained lead researcher Aja Murray, a psychology lecturer at the University of Edinburgh. “However, some children develop these skills more slowly, which may signal neurodevelopmental or mental health concerns.”
Study Findings
Using data from nearly 19,000 children born between 2000 and 2002 in the UK, researchers found a significant link between ADHD symptoms and delayed emotional regulation development. Key findings include:
Heightened ADHD Risk: Children struggling to control intense emotions were more likely to develop ADHD.
Impact on Academic and Social Skills: Poor emotional regulation was associated with lower academic and social competence.
Controlled Risk Factors: The link persisted even after accounting for other potential ADHD and mental health risk factors.
Implications for Early Intervention
The findings suggest that monitoring a child’s emotional development could help identify those at higher risk of ADHD or mental health issues. Early testing tools for teachers and parents could play a crucial role in offering targeted support and therapies, as reported by HealthDay.
“Our study underscores the importance of tracking emotional regulation trajectories in young children to identify those who may need additional help,” Murray added.