Evaluation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children aged 5–12 years presenting to the emergency department with trauma

Objective This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among children aged 5–12 years presenting to the emergency department due to trauma, and to evaluate the relationship between trauma and ADHD in relation to familial and environmental factors. Methods This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Emergency Department of Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Medicine between January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025. The parents of 200 children presenting with trauma completed the Turgay DSM-IV Disruptive Behavior Disorders Scale. Demographic data, family structure, screen exposure, and social relationships were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. Results A total of 200 children were included, with a mean age of 9.07 ± 2.21 years; 63% were male. The prevalence of attention deficit was 6.5%, and hyperactivity was 13.5%. Significant associations were found among behavioral scale scores (p<0.001). No significant relationship was observed between gender and ADHD symptoms (p>0.05). Parental education level, parental cohabitation status, maternal age at pregnancy, number of siblings, sibling psychiatric history, and number of friends were not associated with ADHD symptoms (p>0.05). Having a deceased father and a parental history of psychiatric illness were significantly associated with hyperactivity (p=0.031 and p=0.008, respectively). Screen exposure was significantly associated with attention deficit (p=0.001), with higher screen time corresponding to more frequent attention problems. Experiencing trauma within the past year was significantly associated with both attention deficit (χ²=7.787; p=0.020; Φ=0.197) and hyperactivity (χ²=8.025; p=0.018). Conclusion Children presenting to the emergency department with trauma who exhibited ADHD symptoms were found to have experienced a higher number of traumatic events. Additionally, increased screen exposure was associated with a higher frequency of ADHD-related symptoms, particularly attention problems. These findings highlight the importance of screening for ADHD symptoms in children presenting with trauma and suggest that monitoring and limiting screen time may support early detection of neurodevelopmental difficulties and help prevent future trauma. Keywords: Attention deficit, ADHD, Emergency department, Hyperactivity, Pediatric trauma, Screen time, Trauma