Journal Article
ADHD, partnership status, and having a first child [Abstract]
European Journal of Public Health, 35:Suppl. 4, 1 (2025)
Abstract
Background: Previous research has linked ADHD to interpersonal difficulties and short-lived romantic relationships, which may affect childbearing. We examine how ADHD is related to the likelihood of having a first child and the age at first birth, accounting for partnership status and the partner’s ADHD.
Methods: We use Finnish total population register data for cohorts born between 1982 and 1993 (371,563 women; 387,867 men) and estimate event history models and linear models for the likelihood of having a child and the age at first birth. ADHD is measured using both diagnostic information (ICD-10 codes) from specialized health care registers and data on prescription medication purchases (ATC codes). These, together with co-residential partnership status, serve as the main explanatory variables.
Results: Preliminary findings indicate that ADHD is associated with a higher likelihood of having a child, but the association diminishes when partnership status is controlled. We also find that the age at first birth is lower among individuals with ADHD compared to those without.
Conclusions: We conclude that ADHD is positively associated with both the likelihood of having a child and an earlier age at first birth. Our results suggest that these associations are partly explained by differences in partnership behavior and timing of parenthood. Key messages: • ADHD is positively associated with the likelihood of having a child and an earlier age at first birth. • Partnerships play a key role in the relationship between childbearing and ADHD.