Prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in schoolchildren in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neuropsychiatric disorder of infancy and one of the most prevalent chronic diseases found in schoolchildren.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of ADHD in schoolchildren through the use of a questionnaire responded by school-teachers.

Method: A total of 774 children enrolled in the public and private school systems were evaluated. The diagnostic instrument used was a Teacher ADHD scale.

Results: Results showed that 6.7% of children were considered highly likely to have the disorder. Of the more severe cases of ADHD, the hyperactive-impulsive subtype was more frequently identified in girls, while the inattentive subtype was more prevalent among boys.

Conclusion: The symptoms of attention deficit in hyperactive children may be underestimated by teachers since the symptoms of hyperactivity are more noticeable and disruptive.