Prevalence of attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder and associated symptoms among primary school students in the city of Isfahan

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Behavioral and emotional disorders are common disorders during childhood and adolescents. Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common among children, which result in behavioral problems and weak performance in school.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study on 450 primary school students in Isfahan in 2006. Sampling was stratified random and data were collected using Vanderbilt Assessment Scale - Parent Informant.

RESULTS: 2.1% of the students had the criteria for attention deficit disorder, 7.7% had hyperactivity disorder and 2.4% had both disorders (ADHD). Also, 5.6% had oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and 9.1% had criteria of depression and anxiety disorder.

CONCLUSION: Primary school students' health leads to the health of society. It is necessary to check up students for common disorders, because if these disorders are not diagnosed and cured on time, may lead to delinquency in adolescence or  anti-social personality disorder in adulthood.

KEY WORDS: Attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, primary school students