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3 February 2010

Are ambidextrous children at risk of mental health problems?

Children who are ambidextrous (equally skilled with each hand) are more likely to have language, school and behaviour problems than those who are right or left-handed, say researchers.

A study examined whether being ambidextrous is linked with language, school and behaviour problems related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in childhood and adolescence.

Scientists analysed data from nearly 8,000 children who took part in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort. When children were eight years old, the scientists asked parents and teachers about language abilities, school performance and behaviour. They also asked the parents if their child was right- handed, left-handed or mixed-handed. The scientists then repeated the testing when the children were aged 15 to 16 years. They assessed ADHD symptoms using a scale taken from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

The scientists found that children who were ambidextrous were at greater risk of having language, school and behaviour problems compared with right and left-handed children. Mixed-handed adolescents were also at twice the risk of having symptoms of ADHD. The scientists suggest that their findings may help teachers and health professionals identify children who are particularly at risk of developing certain learning problems

Dr Annabel Bentley, assistant medical director for Bupa said: "This large study on children shows a link between mixed-handedness and later language and behaviour difficulties. How these issues are related is not completely understood."

"This large study on children shows a link between mixed-handedness and later language and behaviour difficulties. How these issues are related is not completely understood."

Dr Annabel Bentley, assistant medical director for Bupa.
Key facts
  • ADHD is a disorder that has a harmful effect on children's learning, behaviour and development. Children with ADHD have very short attention spans and may be easily distracted, overactive and restless.
  • ADHD is also known as hyperkinetic disorder (the official UK term) and attention deficit disorder (ADD). These different names are all used to describe the problems of children who are unable to concentrate and are overactive.
  • Common symptoms of ADHD include:
    • fidgeting
    • interrupting others
    • being unable to wait for their turn
    • getting distracted easily
    • making careless mistakes in school work
    • not listening to or following instructions properly
  • The exact cause of ADHD is unknown but it is thought to be linked to genetic factors. Your child may be more likely to have ADHD if there is a family history of ADHD. It seems to affect boys more often than girls.
  • If you are concerned that your child may have ADHD, visit your GP.

Related topics

Read the study

Rodriguez A, Kaakinen M, Moilanen I, Taanila A, McGough JJ, Loo S, Jarvelin MR. Mixed-handedness is linked to mental health problems in children and adolescents. Pediatrics 2010; 125(2): 340-348. doi: 10.1542/peds.2009-1165

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