The prevalence of ADHD-like symptoms in a community sample.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in a community sample of children in the United Kingdom.


METHODS
There were 964 ten year olds (55% boys; M = 10.4 years; SD = 0.6) from mainstream schools in the United Kingdom in this study. The ADHD Rating Scale-IV, which provides ratings on the frequency of ADHD symptoms drawn from DSM-IV criteria, was administered to class teachers.


RESULTS
The findings indicated an overall 8% prevalence rate, with the majority of children identified as the Hyperactive/Impulsive subtype (5%). Almost half of these children were receiving additional support in the classroom as a result of learning difficulties.


CONCLUSIONS
It is therefore of value for educators to be able to conduct early screening to support these children before problems worsen.
Alloway
Tracy
T
Durham University, Durham, UK. t.p.alloway@durham.ac.uk
Elliott
Julian
J
Holmes
Joni
J
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012574:Schools; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology