Burden of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in Jordan from 1990 to 2023: population-based analysis using Global Burden of Disease data

Background Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that substantially affects behaviour, social functioning and daily performance. However, long-term population-based evidence on its burden in Jordan remains limited. Aims This study aimed to assess trends in incidence, prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) due to ADHD in Jordan from 1990 to 2023. Method A population-based descriptive analysis was conducted using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 study. ADHD incidence, prevalence and YLDs in Jordan from 1990 to 2023 were extracted and stratified by gender and age group (2–9, 10–19 and 20–69 years). Estimates were reported as rates per 100 000 population, and absolute numbers with 95% uncertainty intervals, following standard GBD methods. Results ADHD burden was observed across all age groups in Jordan. Among children aged 2–9 years, incidence ranged from 279.9 to 352.3 per 100 000, prevalence exceeded 5000 per 100 000 in both 1990 and 2023 and YLD rates ranged from 214.8 to 262.8 per 100 000. In adolescents, the burden was concentrated among those aged 10–14 years, with prevalence around 526 per 100 000 and YLDs of 21 per 100 000 in both years; no estimates were reported for ages 15–19 years. In adults aged 20–69 years, although no incident cases were recorded, prevalence remained notable in 2023, ranging from 1626.8 per 100 000 (20–49 years) to 535.2 per 100 000 (50–69 years), with YLD rates between 69.1 and 22.4 per 100 000. Males consistently showed higher burden estimates than females across all age groups. Conclusions ADHD is a prevalent and a major source of non-fatal health loss in Jordan from early childhood through adulthood. These findings provide a comprehensive, long-term assessment of ADHD burden in Jordan and establish a robust evidence base for national, regional and global comparisons.