The ADHD Support Group at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH/RC) is seeking a tie-up with the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) to raise the standard of healthcare services and early diagnosis of persons with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Dr. David Taylor, President AAP, and its Executive Director, John Forbes were in Riyadh Thursday to discuss the possibilities of cooperation with the ADHD Support Group. According to an official source, the ADHD Support Group is seeking cooperation with AAP, which has over 60,000 physicians helping its members in America and around the world. Besides, the US-based AAP is known for its top quality programs that include enhanced healthcare services for children, such as, the advanced diagnosis system and treatment for ADHD. The academy has well-developed training programs to train physicians on how to diagnose and treat children with ADHD, the source added. This prompted the ADHD Support Group to approach the academy with the objective of establishing a strong partnership to raise the standard of healthcare services provided to pediatricians in Saudi Arabia and to increase their understanding of how to deal with ADHD children. Dr. Soad Yamani, Consultant, Pediatric Neurologist and Epilepsy Specialist and Director of the ADHD Support Group, KFSH/RC, said early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD is crucial. She said persons diagnosed with ADHD at an early age can lead a successful life and can take their place as a member of mainstream society. “There is a lack of (specialists) doctors in Saudi Arabia that is hampering the proper diagnosis and treatment of cases with ADHD,” she said, adding that as a result, the Kingdom was disadvantaged in losing the talent of many children. Dr. Yamani pointed out that due to the lack of diagnosis and proper treatment, persons with ADHD were affected in several ways including becoming poor achievers in the academic field and in community relations. This often leads to developing bad habits, such as, drug abuse and alcoholism, she added. According to a recent survey conducted by a number of hospitals in the Kingdom led by Riyadh's King Khalid University Hospital, there are around one million Saudis, or 15.5 percent of the population, who are already diagnosed with an ADHD disorder. And the Kingdom has only 40 specialist doctors for the million who are affected, the study points out.
