The Saudi ADHD Society was part of an international team led by Professor Stephen Faraone, President of the World Federation of ADHD, that collaborated on the development of 208 Evidence-based conclusions about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Highlights
- ADHD occurs in 5.9 % of youth and 2.5 % of adults.
- Most cases of ADHD are caused by the combined effects of many genetic and environmental risks.
- There are small differences in the brain between people with and without ADHD.
- Untreated ADHD can lead to many adverse outcomes.
- ADHD costs society hundreds of billions of dollars each year, worldwide.
Abstract
Background
Misconceptions about ADHD stigmatize affected people, reduce credibility of providers, and prevent/delay treatment. To challenge misconceptions, we curated findings with strong evidence base.
Methods
We reviewed studies with more than 2000 participants or meta-analyses from five or more studies or 2000 or more participants. We excluded meta-analyses that did not assess publication bias, except for meta-analyses of prevalence. For network meta-analyses we required comparison adjusted funnel plots. We excluded treatment studies with waiting-list or treatment as usual controls. From this literature, we extracted evidence-based assertions about the disorder.
Results
We generated 208 empirically supported statements about ADHD. The status of the included statements as empirically supported is approved by 80 authors from 27 countries and 6 continents. The contents of the manuscript are endorsed by 366 people who have read this document and agree with its contents.
Conclusions
Many findings in ADHD are supported by meta-analysis. These allow for firm statements about the nature, course, outcome causes, and treatments for disorders that are useful for reducing misconceptions and stigma.
You may read the full document in 10 different languages here:
The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement
Acknowledgements
The following members of the Saudi ADHD Society’s team contributed towards this project:
Steering Committee
- HH Princess Nouf bint Mohammad Al Saud
Scientific Committee
- Professor Mohammed M.J. Alqahtani
- Dr Haya F. Aljoudi
- Dr Turki Albatti
Arabic Version
- Dr Hussain AlTaweel
- Marwah Behisi
- Professor Mohammed M.J. Alqahtani
- Jeremy Varnham
