Psychopathology, Global Functioning, and ADHD Persistence in Relation to Childhood Adversity: A Latent Class Analysis Approach

We examine the impacts of childhood adversity on adult outcomes for women with and without childhood ADHD using an ethnically diverse sample of 140 participants with ADHD (Mage = 9.7) and 88 age- and ethnicity-matched comparison participants (Mage = 9.4). At adult follow- up, the sample included 211 of the original 228 participants (92.6% retention; Mage = 25.6). We used inclusive latent class analysis to identify profiles of childhood adversity; class membership was subsequently used in regression models to predict adult outcomes and ADHD persistence status. Key findings were as follows: (1) Four childhood adversity profiles emerged (Low Exposure, Familial Dysfunction, Maltreatment, Pervasive Exposure); (2) Compared with women with Low Exposure profile, those with Familial Dysfunction had significantly higher internalizing outcomes, whereas those in the Maltreatment and the Pervasive Exposure profiles were associated with lower global functioning and higher internalizing and externalizing behaviors; (3) Women with childhood ADHD in the Maltreatment profile were significantly more likely than those in the other profiles to show persistent ADHD in adulthood. Findings provide useful information about women who could be targeted for intervention; we discuss limitations and the need to investigate the confluence of neurodevelopmental conditions, like ADHD, and exposure to adverse child events.