Citation

Al Ansari A, Hamadeh RR, Jahrami H, Haji EA. East Mediterr. Health J. 2017; 23(9): 589-593.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, World Health Organization)

DOI

10.26719/2017.23.9.589

PMID

29178114

Abstract

Many adolescents with ADHD show antisocial behaviour and low educational achievement. These issues have not been validated in the World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region. The objective of this study was to assess the global functioning and behaviour of children with ADHD growing into adolescence 10 years after initial diagnosis. Parents were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, Conner's Short Version Test and the Children's Global Assessment Scale. Nearly half of our sample had low academic achievement and 36% had no friends. A quarter of the cases were smokers, one admitted abusing drugs and one had attempted suicide. One third of the sample continued to have ADHD symptoms. Adolescents with ADHD had similar school performance and peer relationships to those reported previously, but differences with regard to drug use, suicide and other impulsive behaviour. A follow-up study into adult life using a control group is recommended.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Risk Factors; Child; Female; Male; Adolescent; Surveys and Questionnaires; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Mediterranean Region; Educational Measurement