Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: An Ignored Disorder in Primary School Children in Arar, Northern Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background:-Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neglected illness in Arar, Norther area, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Objective:-The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of ADHD among primary schools children of Arar city, the capital of the Northern province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods:-A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from the teachers of children who attended 4 randomly selected primary schools in Arar city during the study period. The Conners 10-item Abbreviated Teacher Rating Scale (ATRS) was used. Results:-85 children fulfilled the stated criteria for ADHD giving a prevalence rate of 27.9%. Conclusion:-The prevalence of ADHD in our setting is 27.9%, which is more than that obtained elsewhere in the world.