Young Bahraini boys are twice as likely as girls to have Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to the first national study conducted in the kingdom on the prevalence of the challenging condition.
‘The National Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms and its Comorbidities Among Children in Bahrain’ study conducted by Health Ministry and Arabian Gulf University researchers was focused on school-age children aged six to 12 years. It was published in the Bahrain Medical Bulletin.
“This study is the first attempt to identify the prevalence of a commonly encountered disorder among school-age children in Bahrain,” researchers noted in the report.
“The authors can state with confidence that the sample was representative of children attending government schools.
“The results have an impact on planning services and obtaining the necessary privileges for these children.”
A total of 450 Bahraini children between the ages of six and 12 were recruited for the study.
These students were enlisted in the survey as part of routine assessments at eight local health centres – two from each of the four governorates.
Of the students surveyed, 4.22 per cent were found to have ADHD. Males with ADHD symptoms outnumbered females, 2.22 to 1.
“An Arabic version of the Conners ADHD index screening test, which has been used in similar studies, was distributed to the parents of children attending the routine assessment appointments,” researchers explained.
The Conners ADHD index provides a thorough and focused assessment of ADHD and its most common comorbid disorders in home, social and school settings.
The study found that 52.6pc of children diagnosed with ADHD also show symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and 36.8pc had Conduct Disorder (CD).
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition with symptoms of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity and is the most common psychiatric disorder encountered in children’s outpatient clinics.
It has the potential to impair school performance, social relationships and family function.
Its diagnosis is clinical, and is supported by the American Psychiatric Association’s criteria mentioned in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-V).
Globally, it is estimated that approximately 5pc of children and adolescents are affected by ADHD, while amongst adults, that number drops by half.
ODD is characterised by a pattern of unco-operative, defiant and hostile behaviour toward peers, parents, teachers and other authority figures, often doing the opposite of what a person in power is telling them to do, while individuals diagnosed with CD tend to exhibit more severe and risk-taking behaviours.
Overall, the survey found that the prevalence rate in Bahrain is similar to studies conducted both in the region and internationally.
“These basic statistics are made available for the first time to authorities in the educational, health and social services sectors,” researchers noted.
“These figures can assist in organising rehabilitation and educational programmes and planning future services.
“These basic statistics will fill a gap in the information currently available for strategic planning concerning children with ADHD in Bahrain.”
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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