Abstract:

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by symptoms in three major domains: hyperactivity, attentional problems, and impulsivity. In addition, learning disabilities, low school performance, conduct disorder and difficulties in the interaction with their school-mates are common comorbid problems. Furthermore, ADHD is a well-established risk factor for the development of a substance use disorder. It is one the most common neurobiological chronic childhood disorder. The treatment should include psychopharmacological and/or psychological treatments.
Identification of ADHD has proved to be important, considering that following a correct diagnosis, the affected individual can achieve a better quality of life and overall functioning. In this context pharmacists can play an important role, particularly in conducting prevention and health education activities, which could be of great relevance in modifying problem behaviours, knowledge and attitudes in the general population.
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the rates of ADHD in adolescents from ten different high-schools in the region of “La Manchuela”- located between Albacete and Cuenca, in the South-East of Spain – during their second year of Compulsory Secondary Education.
As part of a 4-year follow-up screening and intervention study, we conducted a cross-sectional assessment with 682 adolescents in the second-year of secondary education. Screening of ADHD was conducted with the ASRS v1.1 Questionnaire in its complete, 18-items, version. This self-administered instrument developed by WHO investigators and translated and validated into Spanish allows detection of symptoms of ADHD.
A total of 682 students 51% girls and 49% boys, with an average age of 13.3 years participated in the study. Once the ASRS v1.1 test was completed, 10%, that is 69 adolescents, of the sample (52% of females and 48% of males), screened positive for ADHD,. Among the ADHD positive sample, 92.8% of students were of Spanish origin, 4.3% Romanian, and a 1.4% of Bulgarian and Ecuadorian origin, respectively. When focussing solely on those students of non-Spanish origin, of the remaining 51 students 33% were of Romanian background, 29.4% from Ecuador, 9.8% from Colombia, whilst 7.8% came from Bulgaria and Morocco, 3.9% from Argentina and Ukraine and finally 2% originated from Brazil and France. Of these 51 adolescents, we also found that a 10% of them scored positive for ADHD.
In conclusion, the rates of possible cases of ADHD in the area of “La Manchuela” is to that reported in specialized literature in other settings.

Keywords:

ADHD.