15% of Children in Saudi Arabia Have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

15% of children in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that most often occurs in children, but it can also be diagnosed in adulthood.

Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include:

Difficulty paying attention or concentrating

Difficulty organizing

Forgetfulness regarding completing tasks

Difficulty sitting still

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is divided into 3 categories:

Hyperactivity only

Inattention only

Hyperactivity and inattention

Sometimes the condition is difficult to diagnose. Many symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are considered normal behaviors in childhood, so it can be difficult to know what is related to it and what is not. Below are the core symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Differences in Symptoms

Males and females can show very different symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and the nature of the disorder's symptoms in males may show their condition more clearly than in girls.

Males tend to show external symptoms, which are the most common symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, including:

Impulsivity or "acting out"

Hyperactivity, such as running and jumping

Lack of focus and inattention

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in girls is sometimes overlooked because the symptoms are not as obvious as they are in males. They can include:

Introversion

Low self-esteem and anxiety

Poor attention, which may lead to difficulty in academic achievement

Inattention

Verbal aggression

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Other Conditions

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder does not increase a person's risk of developing other conditions or diseases, but some people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are more likely to develop other conditions; sometimes these conditions can cause difficulty in social or school situations.

These conditions include:

Learning difficulties

Behavioral disorders and difficulties

Anxiety disorders

Depression

Bipolar disorder

Tourette syndrome

Sleep disturbances

5 Facts About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Males are three times more likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder than females.

While 13% of men are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, only 4.2% of women are diagnosed.

The average age of diagnosis for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is 7 years.

Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder typically first appear between the ages of 3 and 6.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is not merely a childhood disorder.

Originally published in Arabic. This English version was produced with AI-assisted translation; the Arabic original remains the reference.