The prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in older adults in Tabriz city

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder prevalent in childhood and adolescence and it may persist throughout life. The review of previous research indicated that this disorder has a major impact on one's social and intrapersonal life. The narcotic abuse, more frequent changes in employment and multiple marriages, unemployment, and lower efficiency at work are the problems reported in adults with ADHD. Since this disorder is well regarded by researchers in adulthood, it is important to treat it in the elderly as well. The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of ADHD older adults in Tabriz city. Materials and Methods: The current study is a cross-sectional implemented in 2018.Using two-stage cluster random sampling, 1043 participants were selected from the elderly people (60 years and older) in Tabriz city, northwest of Iran. First, 150 clusters were randomly selected from regions of Tabriz and after that 20 households were selected from each cluster. anyone with severe physical illness or major psychiatric disorders was excluded. According to the initial screening performed by using a researcher-made questionnaire based on DSM-5 symptoms, 283 individuals (27.13%) were identified to be suspected to ADHD. the clinical interview of all the selected subjects were performed according to DSM-5 criteria and with the help of Wender Utah criteria and the subjects who had definite symptoms of Adult ADHD were diagnosed by Adult ADHD. Results: Among 1043 persons who participated in the present study 458 (43.9%) were male and 585 (54.1%) were female. Prevalence of ADHD in primary screening based on current symptoms in the elderly was obtained 383 (27.13%) by use of questionnaire and based on the psychiatric interviews, 41 (3.93%) patients had ADHD from which 17 (3.7%) patients were female and 24 (4.1%) were male. There was no relationship between age, gender, and socioeconomic status with ADHD in the elderly.