Incidence and Psychosocial Correlates of ADHD in Adolescents

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is found majorly in children and may prolong till their adulthood. It is the most commonly known psychiatric disorder among children (Spencer, Biederman and Mick, 2007). ADHD persists in adults with social impairments and particularly with pervasive and intractable in nature (Hoza, 2007). To identify ADHD among adolescents, presence of impairing behavioral difficulties is identified such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, oppositional and aggression are observed. An estimated 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD (Danielson, et al., 2016; Simon, Czobor, Balint, et al., 2009). ADHD is often first identified in school-aged children when it leads to disruption in the classroom or problems with schoolwork. It is more common among boys than girls. newlineAdolescents with ADHD face more frequent emotional reactivity as compared to normal adolescents (Silk, Steinberg and Morris, 2003). Normal adolescents face better coordination between their behavior and emotions (Kopp, 1992; Southam and Kendall, 2002). ADHD is associated with emotional dysregulation such as aggression, social impairments and some of the externalizing behavior also. Social impairments in ADHD adolescents demand for better treatment and development. newlinePrevious researches have proved that initial behavior concerns are identified in schools more by the teachers (American Academics of Pediatrics, 2009). Teacher s reports are found vital as per the clinical recommendations (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2007). ADHD adolescents also face issues in their peer relationships (Hoza, 2007) as they react in more aggressive way and get irritated easily, which results in uncomfortable social interactions. Studies have identified that ADHD characteristic adolescents have negative emotion due to lack of peer relationship, rejection and dependency on nicotine also (Whalen et al., 2002). newline