ADHD Symptoms in American Indian/Alaska Native Boys and Girls.

Abstract

Despite the commonality of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the diagnostic criteria are based largely on research with European American boys. Much less research is available regarding the prevalence of ADHD in other groups, specifically American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children. Moreover, research on sex differences in ADHD has typically not included AI/AN children. The current study examined parent- and teacher-reported ADHD symptoms in 72 AI children from one region in the Southern U.S., with a focus on sex differences. Data showed that AI children may have more pronounced sex differences in ADHD symptomology than is found in studies with primarily European American children. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.