Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in indigenous children from the Brazilian Amazon

The clinical constructs of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been described in several cultures worldwide. Yet this symptomatic presentation still remains to be assessed in remote population groups.

To explore the possibility of the existence of ADHD symptoms among settlement-dwelling indigenous children of the Karajá ethnic group in the Brazilian Amazon and to estimate the rate of ADHD symptoms among 7-16-year-olds.

All parents/caretakers of 7-16-year olds from all (N=5) most populated indigenous groups were invited to participate, if they were worried about their children emotional/behavioural problems. Fifty three parents spontaneously came for a psychiatric interview (DSM-IV criteria applied), individually conducted at the settlement's health post by a child psychiatrist.

The estimated rate of ADHD symptoms in problematic indigenous children aged 7-16 years was 24.5% (95% CI: 13.6-35.4) since 13 out of 53 parents/caretakers reported the classical triad of ADHD symptoms (inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsiveness).

ADHD is a clinically relevant construct in the Karajá indigenous population, representing a major concern among parents/caretakers of children and adolescents from this ethnic group.