PATTERN OF ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD) PRESENTATION AND TREATMENT RESPONSE IN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
Main Article Content
Keywords
ADHD, Primary School Children, Treatment Response, Presentation Patterns, Pediatric Psychiatry
Abstract
Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 5-12% of school-aged children worldwide, yet presentation patterns and treatment responses vary significantly across subtypes. This study investigated ADHD presentation characteristics and therapeutic outcomes in primary school children to inform evidence-based clinical practice and optimize treatment approaches.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Saraswati Institute of Medical Science, Hapur, from June to December 2013. One hundred eighty children aged 6-12 years with confirmed ADHD diagnosis were enrolled using systematic sampling. Participants underwent comprehensive assessment using standardized instruments including Vanderbilt ADHD Rating Scales, Conners' Rating Scales, and Clinical Global Impression scales. Treatment response, functional outcomes, and safety profiles were monitored over 12 weeks using validated measures.
Results: Combined type ADHD was most prevalent (49.4%), followed by inattentive (37.2%) and hyperactive-impulsive (13.3%) subtypes. Overall comorbidity rate reached 77.2%, with oppositional defiant disorder being most common (37.8%). Treatment response rates were encouraging across subtypes (73.3% overall), with inattentive type showing highest response rates (77.6%) and hyperactive-impulsive type demonstrating fastest response onset (4.8±2.1 weeks). Significant functional improvements occurred in quality of life (+14.6 points), school functioning (+17.8 points), and family dynamics. Adverse effects occurred in 60.6% of medicated children, primarily appetite suppression (45.1%) and sleep difficulties (26.8%).
Conclusion: ADHD subtypes demonstrate distinct presentation and treatment response patterns. Combined multimodal approaches yield significant symptom reduction and functional improvements with acceptable safety profiles, supporting individualized treatment strategies based on subtype characteristics and comorbidity patterns.
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Dr Pradeep Kumar Jain
Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Saraswati Institute of Medical Science, Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, India