Epidemiological study on symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and behavior disorders in public schools of Florianopolis/SC using the EDAH

Abstract

Objectives: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a pathology characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The purpose of this article is to conduct an epidemiological study on symptoms of ADHA and behavior disorders in public schools of Florianopolis/SC. Methods: The study involved 1.898 students (1.001 males and 897 females) enrolled in five public schools of Florianópolis, from the 1st up to the 4th grades, aged 6 to 12. The instrument used was the Farré and Narbona's Scale, filled out by teachers and parents, which classifies children with predominance of the following symptoms: hyperactivity, attention deficit, conduct disorder, hyperactivity with attention deficit and Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder associated with conduct disorder (global). Results: Of the 1,898 students, 95 (5%) showed symptoms of ADHA associated with Behavioral Disorders. Regarding gender, the prevalence was higher in boys, in a 3:1 ratio. Conclusions: Our data is in accordance with the literature. The distribution of the ADHD subtypes by gender is similar to the mentioned literature.