Characteristics of ADHD among Omani schoolchildren using DSM-IV: descriptive study.

BACKGROUND

There is a dearth of studies describing the characteristics of ADHD among schoolchildren attending child psychiatry clinics in the Arab world. Most of the previous quests have focused on community surveys or themes that hampered international comparison.

AIM

This study screened for the presence of ADHD as well as investigates the psychosocial and educational history relevant for the diagnosis of ADHD among children.

METHOD

Consecutive schoolchildren attending child psychiatric consultations were screened for the presence of ADHD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental disorders (DSM) criteria.

RESULT

A total of 221 schoolchildren suffering from ADHD were identified according to the DSM. The year incidence was 0.16. Males constituted the majority presenting with ADHD. The contribution of consanguinity and a history of acquired brain injury were common features. The majority were attending mainstream education as pharmacotherapy is the only option available for managing ADHD.

CONCLUSION

This study is one of the few from this part of the world using DSM criteria to diagnose ADHD. The implications of the present findings are discussed in the context of the available literature and the specific situation in Oman.