A descriptive study of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Colombo

Abstract

Objectives To determine: Frequency of ADHD among referrals to Child Psychiatry and Guidance Clinics (CPGC) of Lady Ridgeway Hospital (LRH). Associated neuropsychiatric disorders. Social problems experienced by affected children and their families. Compliance to methylphenidate (MPD) treatment.Design A descriptive prospective study.Method Diagnosis was made according to DSM-IVcriteria using a validated Sinhala assessment form.Statistical analysis was done with 1-way ANOVA.Results 37 children attending CPGC at LRH hadADHD. There was a male preponderance. Mean agewas 6.5 years. Learning disorders and obsessivecompulsive disorders / behaviours were commonlyassociated neuropsychiatric conditions. 'Oftenreceiving complaints from school' was a significantsocial problem for ADHD children and their families.MPD treatment helped with school related problemsin the short- term, but there was no improvement inacademic performance. Beneficial effect of MPD,given for six months, was not convincing and therewas poor compliance, mostly due to inadequateimprovement in symptoms.Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2002; 31: 109-14(Key words: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD) doi: 10.4038/sljch.v31i4.753