Sociodemographic and clinical profile of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder – A study from North India

Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that typically appears in early childhood. Its origins are complex, involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. For many individuals affected by ADHD, the disorder persists into adolescence and adulthood, impacting both males and females. Aims and Objectives: Our study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic factors and clinical characteristics of children diagnosed with ADHD. Materials and Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional design conducted between October 2017 and May 2019 at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic within the Department of Psychiatry at Govt. Medical College, Srinagar. Results: A total of 153 participants were enrolled in our study. Two-thirds of the patients presented before the age of 11 years, with the majority being boys from nuclear families. More than two-thirds of the patients were born via cesarean section and were firstborns. The combined type of ADHD (ADHD-C) was the most commonly observed form in our study. Conclusion: We need to raise the awareness about the disorder in our community. In addition, efforts should be made to eliminate the stigma associated with psychiatric diagnoses in children.