Screening for ADHD in a Sample of Egyptian Adolescent School Students

Abstract

Objective: To screen for ADHD in a sample of Egyptian adolescent students, and study the distribution of different subtypes of ADHD, associated comorbidities, and sociodemographic correlates. Method: A total of 925 adolescents were randomly selected and screened by the Conners-Wells’ Adolescent Self-Report Scale–Short form (CASS:S), and potential cases were further assessed by the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia–Present and Lifetime versions (K-SADS-PL). Results: A total of 87 students (9.4%) had potential ADHD diagnosis with evident preponderance in boys (13.8%, n = 58) than in girls (5.8%, n = 29) with a ratio of 2:1 ( p = .000, χ2 = 17.328). The hyperactive-impulsive subtype comprised the majority of cases (54.7%, n = 41). Psychiatric comorbidity was invariably present (85.1%, n = 74). Nearly half the cases had poor academic achievement (43.7%, n = 34). Positive correlates included family history of psychiatric disorders, the order of birth, and parental disharmony. Conclusion: ADHD is prevalent in Egyptian adolescents and is associated with high psychiatric comorbidity and a pronounced effect on academic performance.