What is ADHD

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. 50% of children diagnosed with ADHD are likely to suffer from other psychiatric disorders such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), depression, and anxiety (Afeti & Nyarko, 2017). There are three subtypes of ADHD, the first one being attention deficit disorder (ADD). The symptoms of ADD are predominantly lack of attention to detail, unorganization, difficulty finishing tasks, and challenges with following instructions and conversation. Children with ADD will get distracted easily. The second subtype is hyperactivity disorder (HD). This subtype of ADHD presents issues with sitting still, following instructions, restlessness, and impulsivity. Children with this subtype may run around more, interrupt often, and speak at inappropriate times. The last subtype is an integration of both subtypes and is called the combined type. Children diagnosed with this form present components of both subtypes, equally (“What is ADHD,” 2018).

What are the symptoms of ADHD

Children with ADHD may seem distracted (daydreaming, difficulty following a conversation). Additionally, the child may be forgetful. They may forget what they did during the day, or where they have placed objects. Children with ADHD will have trouble sitting still. The child may squirm, fidget, and be hyperactive. Children with ADHD may interrupt others often or speak at innappropriate times. The child may have a hard time maintaining relationships, not share toys with other children, take unnecessary risks, and make careless mistakes.

What causes ADHD

Genetics have been linked to the development of ADHD (Afeti & Nyarko, 2017). However, there are other causes that can lead to the development of ADHD such as brain injury, environmental exposures during pregnancy (i.e lead, alcohol, or tobacco), low birth weight, and premature birth. It has been speculated that watching too much television, eating too much sugar, and environmental factors like poverty or chaotic family dynamics are the cause. While these factors may exacerbate the symptoms in some children, not enough research has been conducted to conclude that these factors directly cause the development of ADHD (“What is ADHD,” 2018). High rates of ADHD in children with HIV or recently being treated for tuberculous meningitis have been found, but more research would need to be conducted to understand the association (Bakare, 2012).

Can ADHD be treated

ADHD can be treated in many ways. The two most common ways of managing the child’s symptoms are through behavioral therapy and medical prescriptions Additional resources such as parent training can be beneficial. Ensuring that the child gets adequate sleep and physical activity and has a healthy diet. Monitoring the child’s symptoms, following up with a physician and teachers will also help identify areas that need attention in managing the child’s diagnosis

What is the presence of ADHD in Africa

Researcher Afeti and Nyarko conducted a study in a primary school in Hohoe, Ghana. They found that out of 400 respondents, 51 students displayed signs of ADHD. This is a prevalence of 12.8%. For males the prevalence was 14.41% and for females it was 10.53% (2017). A systematic review found that the percentage of students with ADHD among children in primary school in Africa ranged between 5.4% and 8.7%. Children with HIV had a prevalence of ADHD of 88% and 100% of children that had been recently treated for tuberculous meningitis had ADHD (n =21). These results may not be easily generalized to all African children; however it does highlight that ADHD is not exclusive to western culture and may be associated with environmental factors and brain injuries (Bakare, 2012).

What is the global prevalence of ADHD

In a meta analysis done by Thomas et al., it was estimated that the global prevalence of ADHD is 7.2% (95% confidence interval of 6.7% to 7.8%) (2015). ADHD is one of the most common disorders in children and it been found to affect 3-12% of primary school aged children (Afeti & Nyarko, 2017). It has also been reported that males tend to have a higher prevalence than females. This could be physiological or due to the fact that girls may go underdiagnosed as their symptoms may be less severe, or because the male’s symptoms are more commonly characterized by aggression and impulsivity, so the ADHD is more pronounced (Mowlem et al., 2018). Higher prevalence in males than females was also found in studies in Africa (Bakare, 2012).

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