Frequência do Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) e os problemas psicológicos associados em crianças e adolescentes

Abstract

Introduction: Attention Deficit Disorder/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by the frame of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD is the most common psychiatric disorder in childhood and its prevalence varies according to the diagnostic criteria used for its characterization. Its worldwide prevalence is estimated at 5.29% and Brazil 5.8%. Objective: To investigate the frequency of ADHD and associated psychological problems in children and adolescents from a Municipal School in the city of João Monlevade, Minas Gerais. Methods: The method chosen for the research was a cross-sectional quantitative research. Participants were eighty-two (82) students from 2nd to 8th grade of elementary school, aged 6-14 years, ie, children and adolescents of both sexes, regardless of race, religion and socioeconomic status. We calculated the frequency of the disorder in males and females and identified psychological problems associated with ADHD. Data were obtained through questionnaires SNAP-Swanson, Nolan and Pelham - version IV (modified) and SDQ - Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) answered by parents and/or guardians. Were excluded from the study, parents and/or guardians and illiterate students identified with other psychiatric disorders and/or neurological damage. Results: According to results of the subscales of the SNAP-IV, 17 (20.7%) of students had positive scores equal or above 6 for symptoms of inattention and/or equal or above 6 for symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. Of these, 6 (7.3%) had only symptoms of inattention, 5 (6.1%) had only symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, 6 (7.3%) had both symptoms and 65 (79.3 %) had score below 6 on any of the subscales. With respect to any loss (Family, Social, School) caused by ADHD symptoms, 24 (29.3 %) of all students had losses. It was also observed that 19 (23.2 %) of all students had symptoms starting before seven years of age. Regarding the frequency of ADHD, 7 (8.5%) of students met all the diagnostic criteria, ie, had a positive score (equal to or above 6) in SNAP-IV Inattention and/or Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, with losses and onset before age 7. Of these, 3 (3.7%) students showed symptoms of Inattentive subtype 2 (2.4 %) had symptoms of subtype Hyperactive/Impulsive, 2 (2.4%) had symptoms of the Combined subtype and 75 (91.5 %) of students showed no evidence of ADHD. The analysis of the SDQ, the frequency of students who obtained values Freaks subscales was: Total Difficulties 20 (24.4%), Emotional Symptoms 29 (35.4 %), Conduct Problems 20 (24.4%), hyperactivity 16 (19.5 %), Relationship Problems with Colleagues 16 (19.5 %) and Pro-Social Behavior 3 (3.7%). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the frequency of ADHD is estimated close to that found in the literature and psychological problems associated with the disorder are frequent and that students who had had no symptoms of ADHD diagnosis, treatment and were not even made use of psychostimulants. Although the sample was small, it is worth noting that the results of the study corroborate the findings in the literature, pointing correlation between ADHD and Psychological Problems Associated (comorbidities).