title: [Early diagnosis of attention deficit disorder with/without hyperactivity using the screening procedure of the American Academy of Pediatrics for Primary Care in 8 year-old cohorts].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the main problem of child mental health in our field. However we do not have systematised procedures that may lead to a diagnosis in early ages to improve the long-term prognosis. In order to improve early diagnosis we propose a strategy for Primary Care.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of incorporating screening for ADHD in cohorts of 8 years in a Primary Care Paediatric Clinic in a town in Asturias (Spain) for 4 consecutive years.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study of prevalence was conducted using the questionnaire recommended by the American Academy of Paediatrics. This consisted of 7 questions, to which was added a new item, vs. inattention. The questionnaire was administered by a nurse to all children aged 8 at the time they attended the review, and for 4 consecutive years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 222 children were evaluated, finding 18 positive cases, who scored low in the questionnaire. These cases were evaluated by the paediatrician in a second assessment, who confirmed ADHD in 12 cases. The validity of the test, estimated sensitivity and specificity of the test was high (100% sensitivity and a specificity of 99.5%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study was valid for the early detection of ADHD in a Primary Care Paediatric Clinic to diagnose a large number of latent cases. The procedure was cost-effective and reinforces the role of nursing in this care process.
authors: Centro de Salud de La Felguera, Asturias, España. maximino.fernandez@sespa.princast.es
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Fernández Pérez
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Gonzalvo Rodríguez
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires