Screening for attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) in Urban primary school children

Abstract

Aims & Objectives: To find out the prevalence of ADHD in urban school children in Hyderabad city. Settings and Design: This is a cross sectional study of school aged children between 5 and 15 years were selected from 10 different Govt. schools &private aided schools nearby to Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Hyderabad. Materials & Methods: 700 children aged between 5 and 15 years were randomly selected from 10 different schools in Hyderabad. The presence of ADHD was then assessed by using Vanderbilt assessment scale Teacher's version by their class teachers. The filled up questionnaire was then analyzed and those children screened positive referred to psychiatrist for further evaluation and management. Results: The prevalence of ADHD among urban primary school children in Hyderabad was found to be 9.57%. Prevalence of ADHD is more among male children (13.11%) compared to females (514%). Prevalence was highest in the age group of 10-11 years. Male to Female ratio of ADHD is 3.2:1 . Combined subtype of ADHD is the most common subtype (52.3%), followed by Attention Deficit (29.8%) and Hyperactive impulsive subtypes (17.9%). Children from lower socioeconomic status are more vulnerable for ADHD (10.8%) than middle & upper socioeconomic class. Conclusion: The present study shows a high prevalence of ADHD among primary school children with a higher prevalence among the males than the females.