Hyperactivity disorder in children on rise in cities: study

The survey was conducted by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India in 10 major cities namely Delhi-NCR,Mumbai,Kolkata,Bangalore,Chennai,Hyderabad,Ahmedabad,Chandigarh,Jaipur and Lucknow.

“We interacted with around 1,000 school teachers and doctors. Teachers said that in every single class they have one to three children who are diagnosed with ADHD. 46 per cent of doctors or health care providers found that children at the age of four are more prone to this disease,” Dr B K Rao,Chairman,ASSOCHAM Health Council said.

“Prevalence of children diagnosed with ADHD has gone up from four per cent to 11 per cent in the past six years. More boys are affected by ADHD than girls,” he said.

Titled ‘Rising numbers of ADHD kids in metropolitan cities’ this study was conducted between the year 2005 to the year 2011.

Kids diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty in making and maintaining friendships and also have conflictual relations with their parents due to behavioural problems like lying,stealing,stubbornness and demanding behaviour. However,these children are very high on energy and good at multi-tasking,Rao said.

The disorder develops in early childhood and can continue till adulthood if left untreated or unattended.

“There are a number of factors that may contribute to ADHD. The disorder is highly heritable and genetics are a factor in about 75 per cent of ADHD cases. The environmental factors including alcohol and tobacco smoke and exposure during pregnancy and exposure to lead in very early life,complications during pregnancy and birth including premature birth might also play a role,” he said.

“There is a strong need for parental care and peer effect should not drive the parents to expect extraordinary behaviour from their kids. This creates inferiority complex from a very young age which also contributes to ADHD,” Rao said.