Abstract
To evaluate the prevalence, comorbid conditions, and impairments of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among young adolescents in Porto Alegre, Brazil. 1,013 students aged 12 to 14 years were evaluated at 64 state schools, using a screening instrument based on the 18 DSM-IV ADHD symptoms. All positive screened students (n = 99) and a random subset of negative screened subjects (n = 92) had a psychiatric evaluation carried out within a hospital setting or at home. The prevalence of ADHD was estimated to be 5.8% (95% confidence interval = 3.2-10.6), and the comorbidity with other disruptive behavior disorders was high (47.8%). Youths with ADHD (n = 23) had significantly higher rates of school repetitions, suspensions, and expulsions (p < .01) than controls (n = 168). No association was identified between ADHD and alcohol, marijuana, and inhalant use. The results extend to adolescents well-documented findings in children, indicating that ADHD is quite prevalent in early adolescence and affected youths are at high risk for impairment and dysfunction in multiple domains.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
