Clinical psychological and social aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is not a recent discovery. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder was first described by Dr. Heinrich Hoffman in 1845. AIM: To study the various clinical, psychological and social factors associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. OBJECTIVES: To study the social aspects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder including parental Quality of Life, Parenting Stress and Self Esteem. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not a recent discovery. The essential feature of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. In India, the prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is estimated at 10% to 20% in school age children. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is frequently associated with the co-morbid features of Specific Learning Difficulty, autistic features, mental retardation or slow learners. In India, the multimodal approach has been adapted in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. An eclectic approach involving the paediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, family and teachers is most effective in dealing with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Parents play a vital role in facilitating and maintaining developmental gains in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In the Indian setting, there is a lack of evidence on the child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and parental aspects involved. Review of literature reveals a lacuna in the areas relating to the various developmental and parental issues involved in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Hence, the investigator felt a pressing need to explore these untread areas. newline