IMHANS-K study shows rising ADHD cases among children in Kashmir

Srinagar, July 30: A recent study by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Kashmir (IMHANS-K), GMC Srinagar, has revealed a 7-10 per cent prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children in Kashmir.
ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by hyperactivity and inattention, typically emerges before the age of 12. Despite its higher prevalence in males, ADHD can persist into adulthood, increasing risks of substance misuse and vocational challenges.
The study, conducted over 12 months from March 2021 to February 2022 at IMHANS-K’s Child Guidance and Wellbeing Centre, examined the socio-demographic and clinical profiles of children aged 6-16 years diagnosed with ADHD. Data was gathered from 208 participants.
“The gender distribution highlights male predominance (69.2%), which aligns with established models. ADHD prevalence decreases with age, consistent with symptom reduction trends,” the study noted. “Socio-economic analysis reveals a higher prevalence in lower middle and upper lower classes, suggesting financial difficulties as a potential predictor of ADHD. The combined subtype of ADHD is the most prevalent (71.2%).”
The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address ADHD’s diverse presentations in children and adolescents. “Such efforts can optimize ADHD management and outcomes for affected individuals,” stated the study, published in GMC Srinagar’s Journal of Integrative Medicine and Public Health (JIMPH).
Dr. Murtaza Ali, Consultant Psychiatry and co-author of the study, emphasized the crucial role of parental involvement. “About 5-7 percent of children suffer from ADHD, and it is not being diagnosed on time as parents often normalize the behavior,” he said.
Dr. Ali highlighted the risks of substance abuse and other mental health issues in undiagnosed ADHD cases and stressed the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment.
“So it is important to diagnose and treat them at the proper time. They have symptoms like attention deficit and hyperactivity. Teachers too have an important role to observe their behaviour and they should not ignore the behaviour rather report it to a psychiatrist,” he said. Doctors say there is a proper treatment available for ADHD at GMC Srinagar.
ADHD often begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood. It may contribute to low self-esteem, troubled relationships and difficulty at school or work. Symptoms include limited attention and hyperactivity. Treatments include medication and talk therapy.
Dr Abdul Rouf, Public Health Specialist, Community Medicine Department GMC Srinagar who is also co-author of the study said world over, ADHD often emerges before the age of 12 years.
“However, in our study we have reported that the disorder is happening from 6 to 9 years of children in the valley which means it was happening in the early age,” he said.
“Genetic is the main cause but environmental conditions like exposure to smoking, alcohol during pregnancy and other environmental toxins also contribute to it,” Dr Rouf said adding that the impact is going up day by day which is a concern for the doctors.
“The child having symptoms should be taken to the doctor just like normal patients. It is controlled among those children where it is diagnosed on time,” he said.
Dr Rouf said if such children aren’t diagnosed and treated on time, their parents also suffer from depression while seeing their children in such a condition.
Globally, ADHD affects approximately 136 million children and adolescents, with a prevalence range of 5-6%. The study observed that most ADHD cases in Kashmir are presented during spring and autumn, suggesting a possible seasonal influence.
The study calls for initiatives such as free diagnostic evaluations and treatment options for individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds. “Collaborative care, including medical interventions, behavioral therapies, academic accommodations, and lifestyle modifications, can provide comprehensive support for individuals with ADHD,” the study recommended.