There are mixed research results in the literature regarding a
possible association between
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and atopic disorders. If
such an
association were supported, the implications for underlying pathophysiology
would be
significant. We evaluated level of atopic responsiveness (based on IgE-mediated
response to
skin prick tests) in 312 referrals to a pediatric allergist. Based on the
atopy code, children
were categorized as non-atopic, or moderately or severely atopic. Parents
completed the
Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Univariate analyses on the eight CBCL
subscales
revealed no differences between the atopic groups. Our results do not support
an association
between IgE-mediated atopic responsiveness and ADHD, but they do not rule
out an
association between allergic symptoms and ADHD based on some other mechanism.