De invloed van kindkenmerken en werkervaring van hulpverleners op de herkenning van ADHD bij kinderen

Abstract

ADHD is a neurobiological developmental disorder, characterized by serious and pervasive symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The man-woman ratio in the general population is 3:1, in the clinical population this is 9:1. This could reflect an underdiagnosis of ADHD in girls, which would mean that many girls and women with ADHD do not get proper treatment. Recognition is a very important first step of the diagnostic process, as it facilitates diagnosis and treatment. This research investigates whether certain child characteristics (gender and number of symptoms) and work experience of HCPs (health care practitioners) has an effect on recognition of ADHD, and if there is an interaction between experience and gender and between number of symptoms and gender. Research was conducted among 431 health care practitioners. They reviewed vignettes describing children with ADHD. Results indicate that there is not an effect of gender, number of symptoms or experience on recognition. Neither is there an interaction effect between experience and gender. There is an interaction effect between number of symptoms and gender. Further research should take into account the different types in ADHD, as girls usually show more covert symptomes than boys. HCPs should be informed about these differences, and about the effects of possible bias on recognition.