Naughty or suffering from ADHD? Government looks for answers

Children with mental health disorders will be evaluated in a nationwide research programme to improve care in schools and increase understanding among teachers.

Research is under way by the Ministry of Health and Prevention to ensure children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are given proper care.

Children with ADHD fidget in class and struggle to complete assigned school work.

Symptoms can be difficult to identify and children are often passed off as simply being naughty rather than having a disorder.

The ministry launched a research agenda for 2018-2019 to gain a greater understanding of the effect of ADHD in schools and how teachers can be better educated to spot the signs earlier.

“Research like this was started in the UK 50 years ago, so it is something that is needed to get an accurate reflection of ADHD in the UAE,” said Dr Haneen Jarrar, a child psychologist at the Camali Clinic in Dubai.

“Schools in general are becoming better at realising these children need help but things can always improve.”

Studies will uncover how common ADHD is and how accurately the condition is diagnosed by physicians.

Three research projects began this year and will run until the end of 2019.

Specialists, physicians and researchers will work with Al Amal Hospital and the Ministry’s Statistics and Research Centre.

Dr Youssef Al Serkal, Assistant Undersecretary for the ministry’s hospitals sector, said any research would ensure the privacy of children and their families.

Between 3 per cent and 5 per cent of American children are thought to have ADHD, although exact numbers for the UAE are not available.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention wants to ensure children with ADHD are given proper care

“This research will ensure more patients are identified and treated, enabling them to lead as fulfilling and inclusive lives as possible,” said Dr Walid Abdul-Hamid, psychiatrist and clinical director, at the Priory Wellbeing Centre in Dubai.

“Research has shown children are more at risk of developing ADHD if they have relatives with ADHD or another mental health disorder.”

ADHD is a long-term mental health problem that usually starts in childhood and can continue into adulthood.

At least 25 per cent of children with ADHD will still have symptoms by the age of 30.

Its effects are far-reaching and can harm relationships, work and school performance, leading to low self-esteem.

Medication can decrease hyperactivity and increase attention.

Ritalin and Dexedrine are common medicine prescribed by doctors but reported side effects can include anxiety, insomnia and mild depression.

Speech therapy, occupational therapy and learning support are also offered at the Camali Clinic.

“Currently, a child will be referred to us by the school rather than a GP,” Dr Jarrar said.

“This usually happens when a child is not learning in school, or has problems with attention or aggression.

“We will do an assessment to see if the child’s functioning is affected and may require medication or another course of therapy.”

Medication is closely monitored to ensure a child is not being given too much or too little and to ensure side effects are not outweighing the benefits.

Results of the nationwide research will be publicly available on the ministry’s website upon conclusion of the work.

“ADHD can be managed and lived with and should not become a major issue if treated correctly,” Dr Jarrar said. “We need to teach a child how to function in school and society.

“Teachers are becoming much better at recognising if a child has a difficulty rather than just being naughty.”