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. METHOD: 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. CONCLUSION: It is therefore of value for educators to be able to conduct early screening to support these children before problems worsen.