Children who are born very prematurely are at increased risk for attention problems, hyperactivity and social relationship problems.

In a recent study, researchers used reports filed by parents and teachers in the United Kingdom and Ireland to test whether extremely premature children have more pervasive behavior problems than classroom peers. The results suggest extremely preterm children were four times more likely to have emotional problems or behavior disorders such as ADHD at 6 years of age, compared to children born at full term.

Extremely preterm girls had a higher degree of conduct behavior problems than other girls their age, and boys experienced more difficulties relating to peers. Evidence from this study also shows that very preterm boys may suffer internalizing problems more often in middle childhood, and the impact on parents and teachers and their schooling is significant. Extremely preterm boys are especially vulnerable to develop behavior problems.

Researchers feel that these patterns of behavior difficulties can have important implications on future brain imaging research on extremely preterm children and their management.