Gore, Manisha and Morgan, Julia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6218-7593 (2024) Children with ADHD in India: strengthening diagnosis, support, training and research. Journal of Indian Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. ISSN 0973-1342 (Print), 2754-6349 (Online) (In Press)

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Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neuro-developmental conditions affecting children and is characterised by a pattern of inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive behaviours that occur in different settings and often persist into adulthood (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Three main subtypes of ADHD can be identified: predominantly inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. ADHD is associated with increased psycho-social burden and can impact on life-chances including education success and employment (Franke et al., 2018; Uchida et al., 2018; Wanni Arachchige Dona et al., 2023); this may be especially the case if ADHD is untreated (Shaw et al., 2012). Treatments for ADHD can be divided into two types: pharmacological treatments such as medications and non-pharmacological such as therapies, coaching and other support mechanisms. However, concerns have been raised about the use of medication and the impact of diagnosis of ADHD on children and young people and emphasis placed on the importance of support (see Kazda et al., 2024). The global prevalence rate of ADHD, for children and adolescents, has been estimated at 8.0 % (95% CI 6.0–10 %) with boys twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls (Ayano et al., 2023). Potential explanations for gender differences in diagnosis include gender bias and the androcentric focus of many ADHD assessments as well as potential variations in the presentation of ADHD symptoms; with girls more likely to display internalising behaviours, emotional dysregulation and inattention as opposed to externalising behaviours which may be more typical of boys (Young et al., 2020). This can result in girls being less likely to be referred for diagnosis for ADHD as a child or make it more likely that they are (mis)diagnosed with another mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety (Young et al., 2020; Morgan, 2023). As well as underdiagnosis of ADHD in females, research has also pointed towards under-diagnosis of ethnic minorities (see Young et al., 2020). Within low and middle countries, the prevalence of neuro-developmental conditions including ADHD is said to be ‘considerable’ but there is a lack of quality data on the topic (Britta et al., 2017). In India, for example, a lack of research on some areas related to ADHD has been identified together with a need to increase the methodological quality of the research that is under-taken (Kuppili et al., 2017). In this commentary we will outline the context in India and argue that ADHD is a significant public health issue which requires more resourcing to ensure that children and their families in India are appropriately supported. We identify areas for strengthening diagnosis and support for children and families including in school settings. Recommendations for improving professional training and research are also highlighted.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	ADHD, India
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	17 Dec 2024 12:22
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/48880

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