ADHD Briefcase - Edition 7 - 2022

Introduction

Difficulties in treating ADHD in the State

Working in the government/ state sector in South Africa has its challenges. The treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the state sector is not immune to these challenges.

Identified gender differences in the recognition and treatment of ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 7.2% of children and adolescents worldwide. There is a higher prevalence of ADHD diagnosed in males vs females in clinical samples (10:1) in comparison to population samples (3:1). Naturalistic studies have shown that approximately 70% of children with ADHD will continue to manifest functional impairments in adulthood and nearly half of those affected will have serious psychiatric comorbidity.  There are evidence-based guidelines available to inform treatment and improve outcomes. Early detection and intervention are indicated.

Overview of current ADHD medication in South Africa - 2022

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was described in children more than one hundred years ago. Both the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM 5 TR - 2022) and the World Health Association’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD 11 – 2022) describes the concept of ADHD which has been constantly upgraded and refined. The symptoms of ADHD is now well recognised across the whole lifespan and as its basis as a neurodevelopmental condition.