Below is a curated list of published studies related to different aspects of Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Saudi Arabia, including prevalence, awareness, diagnosis, language and communication, and review articles.
Additional studies from Saudi Arabia, including topics not featured on this page, are available in the research library. We also maintain a list of ADHD-related theses that have been made available online. If you would like your research featured here, or know of any publications in or about ADHD in KSA that you believe should be included here, please get in touch by email at research @ adhd.org.sa.
Note: Unless specifically stated, these studies were neither conducted by nor supported by the Saudi ADHD Society, and are provided as a resource for researchers only.
Review Articles
Child and adolescent mental health disorders in the GCC: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Moon Fai Chan
- Rola Al Balushi
- Maryam Al Falahi
- Sangeetha Mahadevan
- Muna Al Saadoon
- Samir Al-Adawi
International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002Abstract
Background
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with a predominant ‘youth bulge’ among its 54 million people, has witnessed an exponential increase in research pertinent to child and adolescent mental health (CAMH). Aside from a few narrative reviews, to date, no critical appraisal examining the magnitude of CAMH has emerged from this region.
Aims
This study aimed to report the prevalence rates of CAMH disorders in the GCC through a systematic review of the existing literature followed by a meta-analysis.
Methods
A systematic review of the literature from the six GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) was conducted. The databases used included Scopus, ProQuest, Pubmed, and a final check was performed on Google Scholar to account for any remaining studies that may have still been under review. Meta analytic techniques were then used to estimate prevalence rates of each specific mental disorder, i.e. ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, and tobacco use disorder.
Results
A total of 33 studies from the six countries were included. The pooled prevalence of ADHD as per the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADHDDRS), clinical judgments, Attention Deficit Disorders Evaluation Scale (ADDES), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was found to be 13.125%, 13.38%, 26.135%, and 12.83%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms solicited by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI Kid) was 44.684%, 45.09%, and 26.12%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of anxiety according to the DASS and the MINI Kid was 57.04% and 17.27%, respectively, while the pooled prevalence of stress as per the DASS was found to be 43.15%. The pooled prevalence of disordered eating solicited by the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was 31.55%. Lastly, the pooled prevalence of tobacco use disorder per the Global Youth Tobacco Survey was 19.39%.
Discussion
To date, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of its kind from the GCC. The prevalence rate of CAMH disorders appears to be in the upper range of international trends. The higher rates could be attributed to the existing studies using suboptimal methodological approaches and instruments to solicit the presence of CAMH.
Peer review under responsibility of King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (General Organization), Saudi Arabia.
Keywords
child and adolescent mental health disorders, CAMH, GCC, systematic review, meta-analysis, ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, tobacco use disorder, prevalenceCitation
[research_citation style="APA" pubtype="journal" authors="Moon Fai Chan,Rola Al Balushi,Maryam Al Falahi,Sangeetha Mahadevan,Muna Al Saadoon,Samir Al-Adawi," year="2021" title="Child and adolescent mental health disorders in the GCC: A systematic review and meta-analysis" volume="8" issue="3" journal="International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" shortjournal="International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" startpage="134" endpage="145" articlenum="" doi="10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002"]Link to this page: https://res.adhd.org.sa/doi/10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002
Prevalence
Child and adolescent mental health disorders in the GCC: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Moon Fai Chan
- Rola Al Balushi
- Maryam Al Falahi
- Sangeetha Mahadevan
- Muna Al Saadoon
- Samir Al-Adawi
International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002Abstract
Background
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with a predominant ‘youth bulge’ among its 54 million people, has witnessed an exponential increase in research pertinent to child and adolescent mental health (CAMH). Aside from a few narrative reviews, to date, no critical appraisal examining the magnitude of CAMH has emerged from this region.
Aims
This study aimed to report the prevalence rates of CAMH disorders in the GCC through a systematic review of the existing literature followed by a meta-analysis.
Methods
A systematic review of the literature from the six GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) was conducted. The databases used included Scopus, ProQuest, Pubmed, and a final check was performed on Google Scholar to account for any remaining studies that may have still been under review. Meta analytic techniques were then used to estimate prevalence rates of each specific mental disorder, i.e. ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, and tobacco use disorder.
Results
A total of 33 studies from the six countries were included. The pooled prevalence of ADHD as per the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADHDDRS), clinical judgments, Attention Deficit Disorders Evaluation Scale (ADDES), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was found to be 13.125%, 13.38%, 26.135%, and 12.83%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms solicited by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI Kid) was 44.684%, 45.09%, and 26.12%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of anxiety according to the DASS and the MINI Kid was 57.04% and 17.27%, respectively, while the pooled prevalence of stress as per the DASS was found to be 43.15%. The pooled prevalence of disordered eating solicited by the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was 31.55%. Lastly, the pooled prevalence of tobacco use disorder per the Global Youth Tobacco Survey was 19.39%.
Discussion
To date, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of its kind from the GCC. The prevalence rate of CAMH disorders appears to be in the upper range of international trends. The higher rates could be attributed to the existing studies using suboptimal methodological approaches and instruments to solicit the presence of CAMH.
Peer review under responsibility of King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (General Organization), Saudi Arabia.
Keywords
child and adolescent mental health disorders, CAMH, GCC, systematic review, meta-analysis, ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, tobacco use disorder, prevalenceCitation
[research_citation style="APA" pubtype="journal" authors="Moon Fai Chan,Rola Al Balushi,Maryam Al Falahi,Sangeetha Mahadevan,Muna Al Saadoon,Samir Al-Adawi," year="2021" title="Child and adolescent mental health disorders in the GCC: A systematic review and meta-analysis" volume="8" issue="3" journal="International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" shortjournal="International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" startpage="134" endpage="145" articlenum="" doi="10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002"]Link to this page: https://res.adhd.org.sa/doi/10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002
Awareness and Attitudes
Child and adolescent mental health disorders in the GCC: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Moon Fai Chan
- Rola Al Balushi
- Maryam Al Falahi
- Sangeetha Mahadevan
- Muna Al Saadoon
- Samir Al-Adawi
International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002Abstract
Background
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with a predominant ‘youth bulge’ among its 54 million people, has witnessed an exponential increase in research pertinent to child and adolescent mental health (CAMH). Aside from a few narrative reviews, to date, no critical appraisal examining the magnitude of CAMH has emerged from this region.
Aims
This study aimed to report the prevalence rates of CAMH disorders in the GCC through a systematic review of the existing literature followed by a meta-analysis.
Methods
A systematic review of the literature from the six GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) was conducted. The databases used included Scopus, ProQuest, Pubmed, and a final check was performed on Google Scholar to account for any remaining studies that may have still been under review. Meta analytic techniques were then used to estimate prevalence rates of each specific mental disorder, i.e. ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, and tobacco use disorder.
Results
A total of 33 studies from the six countries were included. The pooled prevalence of ADHD as per the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADHDDRS), clinical judgments, Attention Deficit Disorders Evaluation Scale (ADDES), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was found to be 13.125%, 13.38%, 26.135%, and 12.83%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms solicited by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI Kid) was 44.684%, 45.09%, and 26.12%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of anxiety according to the DASS and the MINI Kid was 57.04% and 17.27%, respectively, while the pooled prevalence of stress as per the DASS was found to be 43.15%. The pooled prevalence of disordered eating solicited by the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was 31.55%. Lastly, the pooled prevalence of tobacco use disorder per the Global Youth Tobacco Survey was 19.39%.
Discussion
To date, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of its kind from the GCC. The prevalence rate of CAMH disorders appears to be in the upper range of international trends. The higher rates could be attributed to the existing studies using suboptimal methodological approaches and instruments to solicit the presence of CAMH.
Peer review under responsibility of King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (General Organization), Saudi Arabia.
Keywords
child and adolescent mental health disorders, CAMH, GCC, systematic review, meta-analysis, ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, tobacco use disorder, prevalenceCitation
[research_citation style="APA" pubtype="journal" authors="Moon Fai Chan,Rola Al Balushi,Maryam Al Falahi,Sangeetha Mahadevan,Muna Al Saadoon,Samir Al-Adawi," year="2021" title="Child and adolescent mental health disorders in the GCC: A systematic review and meta-analysis" volume="8" issue="3" journal="International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" shortjournal="International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" startpage="134" endpage="145" articlenum="" doi="10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002"]Link to this page: https://res.adhd.org.sa/doi/10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002
Diagnosis
Child and adolescent mental health disorders in the GCC: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Moon Fai Chan
- Rola Al Balushi
- Maryam Al Falahi
- Sangeetha Mahadevan
- Muna Al Saadoon
- Samir Al-Adawi
International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002Abstract
Background
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with a predominant ‘youth bulge’ among its 54 million people, has witnessed an exponential increase in research pertinent to child and adolescent mental health (CAMH). Aside from a few narrative reviews, to date, no critical appraisal examining the magnitude of CAMH has emerged from this region.
Aims
This study aimed to report the prevalence rates of CAMH disorders in the GCC through a systematic review of the existing literature followed by a meta-analysis.
Methods
A systematic review of the literature from the six GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) was conducted. The databases used included Scopus, ProQuest, Pubmed, and a final check was performed on Google Scholar to account for any remaining studies that may have still been under review. Meta analytic techniques were then used to estimate prevalence rates of each specific mental disorder, i.e. ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, and tobacco use disorder.
Results
A total of 33 studies from the six countries were included. The pooled prevalence of ADHD as per the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADHDDRS), clinical judgments, Attention Deficit Disorders Evaluation Scale (ADDES), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was found to be 13.125%, 13.38%, 26.135%, and 12.83%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms solicited by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI Kid) was 44.684%, 45.09%, and 26.12%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of anxiety according to the DASS and the MINI Kid was 57.04% and 17.27%, respectively, while the pooled prevalence of stress as per the DASS was found to be 43.15%. The pooled prevalence of disordered eating solicited by the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was 31.55%. Lastly, the pooled prevalence of tobacco use disorder per the Global Youth Tobacco Survey was 19.39%.
Discussion
To date, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of its kind from the GCC. The prevalence rate of CAMH disorders appears to be in the upper range of international trends. The higher rates could be attributed to the existing studies using suboptimal methodological approaches and instruments to solicit the presence of CAMH.
Peer review under responsibility of King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (General Organization), Saudi Arabia.
Keywords
child and adolescent mental health disorders, CAMH, GCC, systematic review, meta-analysis, ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, tobacco use disorder, prevalenceCitation
[research_citation style="APA" pubtype="journal" authors="Moon Fai Chan,Rola Al Balushi,Maryam Al Falahi,Sangeetha Mahadevan,Muna Al Saadoon,Samir Al-Adawi," year="2021" title="Child and adolescent mental health disorders in the GCC: A systematic review and meta-analysis" volume="8" issue="3" journal="International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" shortjournal="International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" startpage="134" endpage="145" articlenum="" doi="10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002"]Link to this page: https://res.adhd.org.sa/doi/10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002
Language & Communication
Child and adolescent mental health disorders in the GCC: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Moon Fai Chan
- Rola Al Balushi
- Maryam Al Falahi
- Sangeetha Mahadevan
- Muna Al Saadoon
- Samir Al-Adawi
International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002Abstract
Background
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with a predominant ‘youth bulge’ among its 54 million people, has witnessed an exponential increase in research pertinent to child and adolescent mental health (CAMH). Aside from a few narrative reviews, to date, no critical appraisal examining the magnitude of CAMH has emerged from this region.
Aims
This study aimed to report the prevalence rates of CAMH disorders in the GCC through a systematic review of the existing literature followed by a meta-analysis.
Methods
A systematic review of the literature from the six GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) was conducted. The databases used included Scopus, ProQuest, Pubmed, and a final check was performed on Google Scholar to account for any remaining studies that may have still been under review. Meta analytic techniques were then used to estimate prevalence rates of each specific mental disorder, i.e. ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, and tobacco use disorder.
Results
A total of 33 studies from the six countries were included. The pooled prevalence of ADHD as per the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADHDDRS), clinical judgments, Attention Deficit Disorders Evaluation Scale (ADDES), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was found to be 13.125%, 13.38%, 26.135%, and 12.83%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of depressive symptoms solicited by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI Kid) was 44.684%, 45.09%, and 26.12%, respectively. The pooled prevalence of anxiety according to the DASS and the MINI Kid was 57.04% and 17.27%, respectively, while the pooled prevalence of stress as per the DASS was found to be 43.15%. The pooled prevalence of disordered eating solicited by the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was 31.55%. Lastly, the pooled prevalence of tobacco use disorder per the Global Youth Tobacco Survey was 19.39%.
Discussion
To date, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of its kind from the GCC. The prevalence rate of CAMH disorders appears to be in the upper range of international trends. The higher rates could be attributed to the existing studies using suboptimal methodological approaches and instruments to solicit the presence of CAMH.
Peer review under responsibility of King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (General Organization), Saudi Arabia.
Keywords
child and adolescent mental health disorders, CAMH, GCC, systematic review, meta-analysis, ADHD, depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, tobacco use disorder, prevalenceCitation
[research_citation style="APA" pubtype="journal" authors="Moon Fai Chan,Rola Al Balushi,Maryam Al Falahi,Sangeetha Mahadevan,Muna Al Saadoon,Samir Al-Adawi," year="2021" title="Child and adolescent mental health disorders in the GCC: A systematic review and meta-analysis" volume="8" issue="3" journal="International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" shortjournal="International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" startpage="134" endpage="145" articlenum="" doi="10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002"]Link to this page: https://res.adhd.org.sa/doi/10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.04.002