Abstract
Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by persistent and impairing levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Evidence shows that adolescents with ADHD are more exposed to trauma. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ADHD symptom severity and trauma severity. Methods: In this descriptive correlational study, the study population included traumatic adolescents aged 12-18 years referred to Shohada hospital in Tabriz, Iran in 2016. Among this population, 91 subjects were selected. In order to exclude subjects with other psychiatric disorders, a psychiatrist performed clinical interviews with them. In this regard, the short form of Conner’s Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales Revised Edition (CBRS-R) and Pediatric Trauma Scale were used. For data analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient and independent t test were applied. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Results: There was a significant positive relationship between trauma severity and ADHD score, hyperactivity, and oppositional/Impulsivity (P < 0.01). Conversely, no statistical significance was observed between attention deficiency and trauma severity. The severity of trauma was higher among ADHD group than normal individuals. There were also correlations between socioeconomic status (SES) and oppositional/impulsive patients. In this regard, higher scores of oppositional/impulsivity were observed among patients with lower SES. Conclusion: Traumas have significant effects on economic and humanistic aspects of life in modern era. Our findings showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between hyperactivity-inattention and trauma intensity in adolescents. Therefore, to prevent traumatic events, ADHD screening at schools is suggested. By the same token, informing parents through mass media can help reduce the consequences of inattention/ hyperactivity disorder in the society.
Highlights
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common disorders which happens mostly at school years with symptoms like inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsive behaviors, or a combination of these symptoms [1]
From 91 people who participated in this study 13 were females (8 in ADHD group and 5 in normal group) and 78 were males (35 in ADHD group and 43 in normal group)
The results showed that trauma severity in adolescents with ADHD and without ADHD was different and it was greater in the ADHD group than the control group
Summary
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common disorders which happens mostly at school years with symptoms like inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsive behaviors, or a combination of these symptoms [1]. It may impair cognitive abilities and psycho-social functions. It can have some effects on children and adolescents’ life, and it can affect the family’s quality of life [2].The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) specifies this disorder based on two aspects of symptoms: 1) the aspect of attention deficiency and 2) hyperactivity and impulsiveness. The education failure and background emotional problems such as anxiety and depression were reported
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