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References

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a review with a dental perspective

From Volume 52, Issue 4, April 2025 | Pages 253-262

Authors

Natalie Liu

BDS, MFDS, Dental Core Trainee, Birmingham Dental Hospital, Birmingham

Articles by Natalie Liu

Email Natalie Liu

Rakhee Budhdeo

BDS (Hons), PGCert (Dent Ed), MSc (Paed Dent)

BDS (Hons), PG Cert (Med Ed) MSc (Paed Dent), M Paed Dent RCPS, Specialist and StR in Paediatric Dentistry, Dental Directorate, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London

Articles by Rakhee Budhdeo

Email Rakhee Budhdeo

Nabina Bhujel

BDS, MFDS (RCPS Glas), MPaedDent (Glas), D Clin Dent (Paed Dent), FDS (Paed Dent RCS Eng)

BDS, MFDSRCPS, M Paed Dent RCPS, D Clin Dent, FDS RCS, Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, Evelina London Cleft Service and Dental Directorate, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London.

Articles by Nabina Bhujel

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a spectrum of symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. Children with ADHD present with a number of behavioural challenges which can potentially increase caries risk, dental trauma incidence and non-compliance in the dental setting.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article aims to increase the awareness and understanding of ADHD and provide management strategies for clinicians to facilitate successful dental visits.

Article

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity.1 Children with ADHD may experience difficulties with listening, compliance and socialising. Neurodiverse behaviour becomes apparent from an early age and persists into adolescence and adulthood.2

As it is one of the most common psychiatric childhood disorders, dental practitioners are likely to come across ADHD patients in their practices. Reasonable adjustments and adaptation of strategies are required for successful patient management.

The global prevalence of ADHD in children is estimated to be around 5%.3

ADHD incidence rates are significantly higher in men than in women with a prevalence ratio of 4.3:1.4 There are increasing discussions regarding underdiagnosis of ADHD in females because they are more likely to mask and internalize ADHD symptoms. Women tend to predominate in the inattention type of ADHD, while men are more likely to demonstrate the hyperactivity-impulsivity type of ADHD.

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