Source: Fox News
Summary
A massive new study analyzing medical data from 10 million U.S. siblings over two decades found links suggesting that birth order may be connected to specific long-term health risks. Researchers identified 150 conditions that were significantly associated with birth order, including neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diagnoses in first-born children and migraines and substance use disorders in second-born children. The study’s findings demonstrate correlations rather than direct causation and come with limitations, including reliance on commercial health insurance claims and varying age gaps between siblings.
Our Reading
The advice sounds familiar. Birth order has been linked to health outcomes before, and this new study adds to the conversation. The finding that first-born children are more likely to have neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diagnoses, such as autism and ADHD, is a familiar one. The study’s emphasis on correlations rather than causation is also a familiar caveat. As Dr. Marc Siegel noted, “I love this study because it opens a lot of questions more than it gives answers.”
One original observation: The study’s findings may say more about parental behavior and environmental factors than about the inherent risks of birth order.
Author: Evan Null
