PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - NN Onugha
AU  - F Finlay
TI  - Adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - taking a sexual history
AID  - 10.1136/archdischild-2012-301885.182
DP  - 2012 May 01
TA  - Archives of Disease in Childhood
PG  - A75--A75
VI  - 97
IP  - Suppl 1
4099  - http://adc.bmj.com/content/97/Suppl_1/A75.1.short
4100  - http://adc.bmj.com/content/97/Suppl_1/A75.1.full
SO  - Arch Dis Child2012 May 01; 97
AB  - Background Adolescents are having sex and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are no exception. A number of studies have found an increase in high-risk sexual behaviour in young people with ADHD. Sexual history taking is the first step toward providing reproductive, contraceptive and sexually transmitted disease (STD) counselling. Methods A retrospective review of the clinical notes of fifty adolescent patients aged 12-18 years with a formal diagnosis of ADHD was carried out by two researchers. Consultations with both paediatricians and ADHD nurse specialists were reviewed from the first time the young person was seen over the age of 12 years until the last consultation, with a view to establishing whether a sexual history was taken on any occasion. Results None of the healthcare professionals took a sexual history from any of the adolescents on any occasion despite multiple clinic attendances. Conclusion Adolescents with ADHD are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviour and it is therefore the job of paediatricians and specialist nurses to educate patients regarding their increased risk, re-evaluation of lifestyle behaviours, and preventative measures. The World Health Organisation describes sexual health as a basic human right. Adolescents with ADHD should not be denied the right to holistic healthcare.