Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study analyzed the prevelance of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD) and frequency of medication use among preschool children in a district children hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2016.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical files of children who admitted to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry outpatient clinic, in the age range of 36 to 60 months, diagnosed with preschool ADHD (PS-ADHD) according to ICD-10 criteria. Children with comorbid intellectual disability, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, autism sprectrum disorders and chronic medical disorders were excluded. Medical files with incomplete data were removed.

RESULTS

The study sample consisted of 218 preschool children with ADHD. The prevalance of ADHD among preschool children was 7.8% Sixty one (28%) of children had at least one comorbid disorder and the disruptive behaviour disorders ( Oppositional defiant and conduct disorder) were the most common diagnose with the persentage of 32.1%. Psychosocial interventions treatment was applied to 116(53,2%) children, whereas 102(46.8%) children were started on pharmacotherapy. Risperidone was the most prescribed medication with the persentage of 98%. Children in the age group of 49-60 months had more comorbidity and drug use compared to 36-48 months group. The higher number of comorbid disorders was the predictor of drug use (p<0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Eventhough psychosocial treatment is the first-line of the treatment, additional pharmacotherapy seems to be required. The first choice of pharmacotherapy is Risperidone. Older age and more comorbidity seems to predict the drug use.