Prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among children and adolescents in Spain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies

Abstract

BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a commonly diagnosed neuropsychiatric disorder in childhood, but the frequency of the condition is not well established in many countries. The aim of the present study was to quantify the overall prevalence of ADHD among children and adolescents in Spain by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsPubMed/MEDLINE, IME, IBECS and TESEO were comprehensively searched. Original reports were selected if they provided data on prevalence estimates of ADHD among people under 18 years old in Spain and were cross-sectional, observational epidemiological studies. Information from included studies was systematically extracted and evaluated. Overall pooled-prevalence estimates of ADHD were calculated using random-effects models. Sources of heterogeneity were explored by means sub-groups analyses and univariate meta-regressions.ResultsFourteen epidemiological studies (13,026 subjects) were selected. The overall pooled-prevalence of ADHD was estimated at 6.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.9 – 8.8%] representing 361,580 (95% CI 260,550 – 467,927) children and adolescents in the community. There was significant heterogeneity (P < 0.001), which was incompletely explained by subgroup analyses and meta-regressions.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the prevalence of ADHD among children and adolescents in Spain is consistent with previous studies conducted in other countries and regions. This study represents a first step in estimating the national burden of ADHD that will be essential to building evidence-based programs and services.

Estimating the Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Castile-La Mancha, Spain (1992-2020)

“…The prevalence of ADHD in Spain is estimated at 6.8%, being similar to other European countries, with 5.5% [2,13]. In our study, we have obtained 2.07 cases per 1000 for the total population, lower than international studies, but the pattern of consumption tending to rise, is increasingly similar to Nordic countries, with 2.18 cases per 1000 [12,14].…”

“…The increased use of drugs for ADHD, with an over diagnosis and overtreatment, may be promoted by, increased awareness of the general and medical population, marketing strategy, the emergence of new drugs, with fewer side effects, and by the easy administration [8,[11][12][13][14].…”

Peculiaridades del Consentimiento Informado en Salud Mental. Considerando el Caso TDA/H como Ejemplo

“…Un estudio posterior, revisión bibliográfica y metanálisis de 14 estudios epidemiológicos, considera hasta un 6,8%, señalando la disparidad de los resultados de los estudios, y la tendencia a aumentar la prevalencia en los más recientes (Ver Gráfico 1) (Catalá-López et al, 2012).…”

Perfil multicontextual de los niños con Trastorno por Deficit de Atención e Hiperactividad en sus Competencias Sociales

“…Specifically, ADHD has been established to exist in Spain, where a meta-analysis of 14 studies yielded an estimated prevalence of 6.8%, which is similar to that found in North America (Catalá-López et al, 2012). As well, the core symptoms of ADHD and the diagnostic criteria for this disorder are comparable in Spain andNorth America (Catalá-López et al, 2012).To date, the majority of the research on ADHD has been conducted using North American samples. This bias is particularly evident in studies focusing on ADHD-related impairments (as opposed to ADHD prevalence rates; see Catalá-López et al, 2012).…”

“…La alta prevalencia del TDAH en población infantil y adulta, tanto en España (Catalá-López et al, 2012) El TDAH presenta trastornos internalizantes como, los trastornos de ansiedad y depresión.…”