L’épidémiologie du TDAH à tous les âges

Abstract

Epidemiology studies diseases and the factors influencing their onset and progression. It also examines disease prevention and control strategies. Epidemiology has three dimensions: descriptive, analytical and evaluative. These three dimensions are used to guide public health decisions and conduct research to better understand diseases. In descriptive epidemiology, the prevalence of ADHD is estimated at around 5% in children and 2.5% in adults. Studies show that this prevalence is stable across time and geographical regions. ADHD is more common in boys than in girls during childhood, but this ratio tends to even out in adulthood. Comorbidities with other psychiatric and physical disorders are frequent, making ADHD a complex condition to treat. Analytical epidemiology examines the genetic and environmental risk factors for ADHD. Studies show high genetic heritability, with contributions from many genes. Environmental factors include prenatal influences, psychosocial conditions and exposure to pollutants. Gene-environment interactions and gene-environment correlations also play an important role in the development of ADHD. Analytical epidemiology also enables us to study the long-term consequences of ADHD, highlighting its possible negative impact in terms of academic, social, mental and physical health, as well as excess mortality. Finally, evaluative epidemiology focuses on the effectiveness of interventions, such as medication and behavioral therapies. Meta-analyses, notably those carried out by Cochrane, provide evidence on the efficacy and safety of treatments used for ADHD, helping to optimize therapeutic strategies.