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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

ADHD and Temperament: A Meta-Analysis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A comprehensive meta-analysis published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry has aimed to determine the temperament and personality profile of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Sao Paulo (USP), involved a systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 case-control studies, including 2,525 children and adolescents with ADHD and 3,039 controls.

Key Takeaways:

  • The meta-analysis demonstrated that children and adolescents with ADHD had higher negative affectivity (SMD = 0.79, 95% CI 0.56, 1.03) and lower effortful control (SMD = -1.43, 95% CI -2.14, -0.72) compared to their non-ADHD counterparts.
  • The study also found that ADHD individuals exhibited higher emotionality (SMD = 1.01, 95% CI 0.64, 1.38) and higher activity (SMD = 0.96, 95% CI 0.74, 1.17) according to Buss and Plomin's theory.
  • Additionally, the meta-analysis revealed lower distractibility (SMD = -0.74, 95% CI -1.22, -0.26) and lower adaptability (SMD = -1.01, 95% CI -1.93, -0.10) in ADHD individuals compared to controls, as per Thomas & Chess's theory.
  • The study also found higher novelty seeking (SMD = 1.19, 95% CI 0.87, 1.51) and lower persistence (SMD = -1.07, 95% CI -1.33, -0.81) in ADHD individuals according to Cloninger's theory.
  • Furthermore, the meta-analysis demonstrated higher neuroticism (SMD = 0.92, 95% CI 0.37, 1.48), higher extraversion (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI -0.13, 0.67), and lower conscientiousness (SMD = -0.95, 95% CI -1.85, -0.04) in ADHD individuals compared to controls.

Statistics:

  • 31 studies with a total of 2,525 children and adolescents with ADHD and 3,039 controls were included in the meta-analysis.
  • The meta-analyses demonstrated that children and adolescents with ADHD had a significantly higher risk of exhibiting higher negative affectivity/emotionality and lower effortful control/persistence/conscientiousness.
  • The studies included in the meta-analysis were published between October 2021 and September 2024.

Sources:

  • Temperament and personality profile of youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analysis. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 2025.
  • University of Sao Paulo (USP). Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dept. of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP.
  • Assoc Brasileira Psiquiatria, Subscription Department, Rua Pedro De Toledo, 967 - Casa 01, Sao Paulo, Sp 04039-032 A, Brazil.

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