A influência da data de nascimento no diagnóstico e tratamento de PHDA

Abstract

Background Multiple studies from different countries suggest that the youngest children within a classroom are more likely to be diagnosed and treated for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This review aims to summarize the existing studies that focus on this topic and to provide some possible explanations for this positive relationship between a late birth date and the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Methods A literature search of PubMed was conducted, as well as some additional research for contextualization of the subject. In addition, some studies were included through snowball research. Results 24 studies exploring the relationship between birth date and the likelihood of being diagnosed and/or treated for ADHD were included in this review, including a total of 35.127.821 subjects, from 16 different countries. 19 studies (79%) showed a positive relationship between birth date and diagnosis and/or treatment of ADHD, whereas 5 studies (21%) failed to show such a relationship. Conclusions A child's date of birth and relative age compared to other children in school class should be taken into account while investigating for the presence of ADHD, in order to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment based on a child's relative immaturity.