Attention Deficit-hyperactivity Disorder in Children: Diagnostic Method and Comparison with Healthy Children

摘要

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among children. It is associated with adverse complications for the children, their families, and the society in both short and long runs; therefore, finding solutions to correctly and timely diagnose the disease brings about numerous benefits. In this regard, the present study was carried out in order to examine the mean scores of neurological soft signs as a tool for more accurate and faster diagnosis among children with ADHD and compare them with healthy children. The present study was a descriptive analytical cross-sectional investigation that was carried out in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, Imam Hussein Hospital. Twenty-five children aging 7-12 with ADHD were examined using attention deficit-hyperactivity checklist of DSM-IV, Conners Test, and 28-item Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES) (to examine neurological soft signs). Afterwards, the results were compared with those of 25 children without the disorder. The children with ADHD were all treated with Ritalin. The total scores in NES in the experimental group and the control group were respectively 11.4±4.14 and 5.6±79.2, and this difference was completely significant (P>0.0001). The experimental group obtained higher scores in glabellar reflex, quick alternative movements, and right-left separation compared to the control group. Given the significant difference between the children with ADHD and the healthy ones, these signs can probably be used to early diagnose the disorder and take faster steps toward preventing and treating it.