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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder | Research

ADHD overdiagnosis and the role of patient gender among Iranian psychiatrists

Authors: Ashkan Beheshti, Mira-Lynn Chavanon, Silvia Schneider, Hanna Christiansen

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Regarding the controversy about the overdiagnosis of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents there are two main directions addressed as issue of age bias and issue of gender bias. In this relation, replication of findings demonstrating significant overdiagnosis is of importance which make the systematic evaluation of such occurrence necessary.

Objective

The seminal study by Bruchmüller, Margraf & Schneider, 2012 is replicated here, although in a different cultural context, in this case Iran, as ADHS might be perceived differently there. We assessed both gender bias and the impact of potential overdiagnosis on treatment recommendations.

Methods

A total of 344 licensed Iranian psychiatrists (mean age = 45.17, SD = 9.50) participated in this study. Each psychiatrist received a cover letter that introduced the study as well as a case vignette. Overall, there are eight different cases, one child with ADHD and three non-ADHD children, for both a boy (Ali) and a girl (Sara). Participants also received a questionnaire requesting their particular diagnosis, treatment recommendation and the therapist’s sociodemographic information. Chi square tests and multiple logistic regression were applied for data analyses.

Results

Overdiagnosis occurred in both girl and boy children, although overdiagnosis was 2.45 more likely in boys than in girls (p < 0.01). With respect to the psychiatrist’s gender, we detected no difference between males or females, as both overdiagnosed ADHD in boys (p_female < 0.01 and p_male < 0.01). Furthermore, ADHD overdiagnosis had a direct impact on medication prescription (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study suggests that diagnosticians should strictly adhere to diagnostic criteria to minimize diagnostic error.

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Title: ADHD overdiagnosis and the role of patient gender among Iranian psychiatrists
Authors: Ashkan Beheshti
Mira-Lynn Chavanon
Silvia Schneider
Hanna Christiansen
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03525-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

ADHD overdiagnosis and the role of patient gender among Iranian psychiatrists

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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