ADHD Affects 5% of Adults, MP Calls for Greater Awareness at Bahrain Psychiatry Conference

TDT | Manama

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Nearly 5% of adults worldwide struggle with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition that can significantly impact everyday life, especially in today’s distraction-filled environment. MP Dr. Maryam Al Dhaen has voiced her concerns, urging for immediate action to raise awareness about mental health. She compared society’s response to ADHD to "a whisper lost in the noise of a crowded room."

During her speech at the Second Bahrain Psychiatry Conference, Dr. Al Dhaen stressed the importance of understanding ADHD—not just for those directly affected, but for society as a whole. She highlighted that ADHD often begins in childhood and adolescence, with symptoms such as difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and disorganization frequently continuing into adulthood. These challenges can hinder academic and professional success, while also straining personal relationships and causing frustration.

Dr. Al Dhaen also pointed to the role of external factors, like family stress or changes in educational environments, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. She further emphasized how modern technology, especially smartphones and social media, worsens mental distractions, making daily tasks more difficult.

In her address, Dr. Al Dhaen acknowledged the Ministry of Interior's efforts to support inmates through expanded rehabilitation services, focusing on the importance of reform centres. She underscored the value of comprehensive health and psychological care in these centres to help reintegrate inmates into society.