Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A questionnaire survey was conducted in 2007. A stratified random sample of pharmacies was selected. Fifty-four pharmacies indicated their willingness to participate in the study. Questionnaires were distributed by responsible pharmacists to parents of children diagnosed with ADHD. A total of 51 questionnaires were analysed. The average age of patients was 10.27 (SD = 2.54) years (73.58% of patients were males). Nearly 30% of the mothers indicated that the pregnancy or birth was difficult. The diagnosis of ADHD formally occurred at an average age of 6.24 (SD = 2.08) years. The majority of patients were diagnosed by paediatricians (51.57%), followed by psychiatrists (23.33%). Seventeen patients had family members diagnosed with ADHD (including cousins and siblings). Methylphenidate was the most commonly prescribed medication for ADHD. Forty-two parents indicated that their children lost their appetite after the initiation of the medication. Alternative treatments were used by 21.57% of children. From this study, it was clear that ADHD has a hereditary component. Further studies are needed, especially focussing on drug holidays and alternative treatments for ADHD.

Key words: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), methylphenidate, South Africa,co-morbid conditions, alternative treatments.