Prevalence and characteristics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children with epilepsy at the Vietnam National Children's Hospital
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Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, particularly prevalent among those with epilepsy. This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of ADHD in 201 children aged 6 to 12 years old with epilepsy treated at the Vietnam National Children Hospital. The findings showed that the prevalence ofADHD was 25.4%, with the combined presentation being the most common subtype (47.1%). Inattention symptoms such as forgetfulness, distractibility, and difficulty maintaining focus were frequently observed, along with hyperactive/impulsive behaviors including restlessness and excessive talking . Notably, children with an IQ below 70 had a six fold higher risk of ADHD compared to those with normal IQ levels (p < 0.001). The study confirmed that ADHD is a common comorbidity in children with epilepsy, further complicating clinical care and management. Routine screening for ADHD should be integrated into the management protocols of children with epilepsy for early detection and effective intervention.
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Keywords
ADHD, epilepsy, children
References
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