Children whose mothers exclusively breastfed them for at least six months showed a lower likelihood of developing symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a study published in the journal Biological Psychiatry. The Norwegian research suggests a protective effect of breastfeeding against ADHD, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear.
Researchers theorize that breast milk may contain essential nutrients crucial for brain development. The study analyzed data from 37,643 mother-child pairs in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study. Mothers reported on their breastfeeding practices six months after giving birth, including the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and the introduction of formula or solid foods.
"We found that the longer a child was exclusively breastfed (up to six months), the lower the level of ADHD symptoms at ages three, five, and eight years," said Dr. Berit Skretting Solberg, a consultant psychiatrist and lead author of the study. The association was observed in both boys and girls and was strongest at ages three and five. The findings indicate that all forms of breastfeeding showed a protective effect that increased with both duration and intensity.
The study's authors concluded that full breastfeeding "could partially protect against childhood ADHD symptoms," while also acknowledging the need for further research to confirm these findings. This research adds to a growing body of evidence highlighting the health benefits of breastfeeding. A major US review in 2025 found that breastfeeding reduced the risk of infant mortality, rapid weight gain, infections, and allergies.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by symptoms such as distractibility, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often making it difficult for affected children to concentrate, sit still, or follow instructions. Symptoms typically emerge before the age of 12. Around 750,000 children in the UK are believed to have ADHD, with diagnoses having increased significantly in recent years.
This rise in ADHD diagnoses has placed considerable pressure on healthcare systems. In England, nearly 550,000 children and adults are awaiting NHS assessments for mental health conditions. Reports indicate that approximately one-third of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) have an ADHD diagnosis.
However, some experts question the validity of these rising numbers, suggesting that ADHD may be less prevalent than the figures indicate. A report by Dame Rachel de Souza, the children's commissioner, argued that the increase in diagnoses for ADHD and autism does "not necessarily mean rising prevalence." The report suggests that rising diagnoses may reflect the "medicalisation of distress," where a diagnosis becomes the primary route for accessing support.