Self-Reported ADHD Symptoms Prevalence in a University Student Population: Using Adult Self-Report-V1.1 Screener

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of adult's attention deficit/hyperactivity symptoms among the University students in Iran. This descriptive-analytical study conducted on 403 University students of Sistan and Baluchestan in second half of the educational year of 2010-2011. For gathering the data we used Adler, Kessler-Spenser Hyperactivity Questionnaire. All participants were asked to complete the Adult Self-Report Scale-V1,1 (ASRS-VI.I). Findings: Considering the subscale of attention-deficit, the results indicated that 104 (25.1%) of participants had symptoms of ADHD and about 47 (11.3%) reported attention deficit, 43 (10.3%) hyperactivity/impulsivity and 14 (3.4%) combine symptoms. Conclusion: according to the results, it seems that the symptoms of hyperactivity and attention-deficit are prevalent and common among the university students. Therefore, more evaluation and further studies as well as providing preventive and treatment plans to avoid the educational problems and to prevent risky behaviors like drug abuse are recommended.

The prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Iran: An updated systematic review

“…Only 3 studies reported the prevalence rates based on gender. In the studies published by Sadeghi Movahed et al ( 35 ) and Bakhshani et al ( 34 ) ADHD was more common in males than in females and in the study of Jahangard et al ( 39 ) the prevalence estimates for ADHD in adults did not differ significantly between genders.…”

“…Data were collected using Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS-S:S), Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1), Wender Utah Rating Scale, Wender–Reimherr structured interview, and clinical interviews based on DSM-IV and DSM-IV-TR criteria. Total prevalence of ADHD ranged between 3.9% in the study of Parvaresh et al ( 44 ) and 25.1% in that of Bakhshani et al ( 34 ). Only 3 studies reported the prevalence rates based on gender.…”

“…Six studies evaluated the prevalence of ADHD in university students ( 19 , 34 , 35 , 37 , 39 , 44 ). The studies were performed in Kerman, Hamadan, Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Ardabil, and Tehran.…”

Frequency of Structural Brain Abnormalities among Adult Diagnosed with Attention – Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

“…It first described as a childhood disorder that affects about 2-18% of school aged children ( Faraone, Sergeant, Gillberg, & Biederman, 2003 ; Polanczyk et al, 2007 ; Rowland, Lesesne, & Abramowitz, 2002 ). Although it was first believed as a child-aged disorder but evidence showed that it continue into adulthood ( Bakhshani, Babaei, & Raghibi, 2012 ; Kessler et al, 2006 ), and about 5% of adults may suffer from it ( American Psychiatric Association, 2000 ; Biederman & Faraone, 2005 ; Faraone, Biederman, & Mick, 2006 ; Kessler et al, 2006 ). ADHD characterized by inappropriate levels of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity ( American Psychiatric Association, 2000 ), that was initially known as hyperactive (hyperkinetic) disorder ( Curatolo, D'Agati, & Moavero, 2010 ).…”

The Prevalence of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms Among Students and Its Relation with Drug Consumption

“…Approximately 30% to 70% of children suffering from the ADHD enter adolescence with their affliction, and doctors prescribe a continuation of therapy for them (3,4). Different studies report an ADHD incidence of 0.3% to 6% in adults (1,(5)(6)(7)(8)(9). The incidence rate is also high, 30% to 50%, among drug abuse patients (10), which makes responding to therapy difficult for them (6,11).…”