Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children Who Were Treated at Emergency Service due to Unintentional Injury

Abstract

Aim Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterized by severe inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This research aims to determine the frequency of ADHD symptoms in children who were treated in emergency paediatric services due to unintentional injuries. MethodThis study was carried out with children who were treated due to unintentional injuries in an Emergency Department. ADHD symptoms were evaluated using the DSM-IV-based Screening and Assessment Scale for Behavioural Disorders in Children and Adolescents. ResultsThe study sample consisted of 89 girls (40.1%) and 133 boys (59.9%)—a total of 222 children. The participants ranged from 5 to 18 years of age, and the mean age was found to be 11.5±3 years. According to medical evaluations, the most common diagnosis for the unintentional injuries was soft tissue trauma (41.9%). The mean ADHD and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) scores of our study sample were, respectively, 19.9±12 and 7.7±5.7. The prevalence of children with possible ADHD was as high as 81.6% (179) and, for ODD, was 62.6% (139), according to cut-off values. ConclusionOur results pointed out very high levels of ADHD and ODD symptoms among children who were treated at emergency services for accidental injuries. Appropriately screening for ADHD in children with accidental injuries and referring them to child psychiatry units may prevent later accidents and injuries.

The Role of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the Etiology of Osgood Schlatter Disease

“…20 In a similar study, İz et al showed that ADHD symptomatology was observed in most children admitted to the emergency department for accidental injuries. 22 Children with impulsive-hyperactivity behavior have been reported to have 1.5-2 times higher risk for injury and extremity fractures. [21][22][23][24][25] In a retrospective cohort study, Guy et al assessed musculoskeletal injuries in patients aged under 17 years with ADHD.…”

“…22 Children with impulsive-hyperactivity behavior have been reported to have 1.5-2 times higher risk for injury and extremity fractures. [21][22][23][24][25] In a retrospective cohort study, Guy et al assessed musculoskeletal injuries in patients aged under 17 years with ADHD. In the 11-year study period, the following traumatic musculoskeletal injuries were diagnosed in patients with ADHD; sprains (27.2%), fractures (21.2%), concussions (4.5%), dislocations (2.8%), and thoracic and pelvic injuries (0.6%).…”

Sleep Difficulties and Symptoms of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children with Mouth Breathing

“… 18 On the other hand, ADHD can cause sleep-related obstructive breathing, altered pattern of sleeping, and daytime sleepiness which has a negative impact on school performance and social life. 19 – 21 In community studies with different cultures, mouth breathing and ADHD are observed together in 54 and 5–13% of children in different studies. 1 , 17 , 22 In the current study, 7% of the mouth-breathing children full filled the complete DSM V criteria of ADHD which accurately diagnoses ADHD.…”

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Comorbid Mental Health Conditions Associated with Increased Risk of Injury

“…The rate ratio for ADHD with one or more comorbid mental health conditions versus ADHD only is 4. 19 ). Other rate ratios measuring the association between poisoning, burns, and head injuries and OCD or depression or anxiety are even lower, albeit positively significant (data not shown).…”

“…Research has shown that ADHD is positively associated with emergency services, hospitalization, and healthcare claims for injuries [17][18][19][20][21][22]. A study involving medical claim data in the U.S. showed that for ages 0-64 years, more severe injuries (versus less severe injuries) and an increasing number of injuries were positively association with ADHD [17].…”