Prevalence and assessment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in primary care settings

Research literature relating to the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperac tivity disorder (ADHD) and co-occurring conditions in children from primary care settings and the general population is reviewed as the basis of the A merican Academy of Pediatrics clinical practice guideline for the assessmen t and diagnosis of ADHD. Epidemiologic studies revealed prevalence rates ge nerally ranging from 4% to 12% in the general population of 6 to 12 year ol ds. Similar or slightly lower rates of ADHD were revealed in pediatric prim ary care settings. Other behavioral, emotional, and learning problems signi ficantly co-occurred with ADHD. Also reviewed were rating scales and medica l tests that could be employed in evaluating ADHD. The utility of using bot h parent-and teacher-completed rating scales that specifically assess sympt oms of ADHD in the diagnostic process was supported. Recommendations were m ade regarding the assessment of children with suspected ADHD in the pediatr ic primary care setting.