Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptom Characteristics in Korean Elementary School Children: Comparison with US Population
- Author:
Hyun Woo CHOI
1
;
Chi Hyun CHOI
;
Myung Ho LIM
;
Ho Jang KWON
;
Seung Jin YOO
;
Ki Chung PAIK
;
Kyoung Min KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: ADHD; Impulsivity; Cross-cultural comparison; Child psychiatry
- MeSH: Child Psychiatry; Child; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Humans; Impulsive Behavior; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Parents
- From:Psychiatry Investigation 2019;16(6):425-432
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in elementary school children. The present study investigated the characteristics of ADHD in Korean elementary school children using the Korean version of the ADHD Rating Scale (K-ARS). The data was compared with those obtained from a comparable American population. METHODS: Participants included 29,914 elementary school children, aged 6–12 years, from a medium-sized city. The parents completed the home version of the K-ARS. The total and subscale-specific normative data and sex- and age-related mean score differences were analyzed. These data were compared with those obtained from the American population using independent t-tests. RESULTS: Mean total and subscale K-ARS scores were significantly higher among boys (vs. girls) and younger children aged equal to or less than 8 years old (vs. older children). Mean scores on the hyperactivity-impulsivity subscale were lower than those of American children, but similar to another Korean sample. CONCLUSION: Our data characterized ADHD symptoms in Korean children. However, further studies are needed to identify the cultural differences underlying ratings of ADHD symptom severity.
