Table 2.

Challenges with managing ADHD in Africa and their implications.

Challenges	Description	Implications
Lack of awareness and stigma	Limited public awareness and understanding of ADHD in African communities. The stigma associated with the condition leads to misconceptions, discrimination, and social exclusion of individuals with ADHD.	Delayed identification and intervention for children with ADHD, resulting in missed early support and treatment opportunities.
	Reluctance of individuals and families to seek help for ADHD due to fear of judgment and societal disapproval.
	Reduced acceptance and support for children with ADHD in educational settings and communities, potentially leading to academic and social difficulties.
Limited access to mental health services	Inadequate accessibility of mental health services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Lack of specialised professionals and facilities for diagnosing and treating ADHD.	Prolonged waiting times and delayed diagnosis for children with ADHD, leading to unaddressed challenges and potential worsening of symptoms.
	Disparities in ADHD care between urban and rural areas, with children in remote regions facing significant barriers to accessing essential services.
Inadequate education system support	Education systems often lack the necessary accommodations and resources to support students with ADHD effectively.	Academic difficulties and underachievement for children with ADHD, hindering their educational prospects.
	Increased behavioural challenges in the classroom due to a lack of understanding and tailored interventions, affecting the overall learning environment for all students.
	Greater risk of dropout and school disengagement among children with ADHD, further limiting their opportunities for personal and professional growth.