Empirical evidence on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults in Chile: a scoping review

Abstract

Objective. To map the empirical evidence on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in
adults in Chile and to identify knowledge gaps.
Methods. Scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, reported
according to PRISMA-ScR, with a protocol registered on OSF before the search. Eleven sources
were searched (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, SciELO Chile, Redalyc,
ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, Epistemonikos, LILACS, Dialnet Plus and Prisma ProQuest)
on 15 and 16 October 2026, with no date or age filter applied to the searches. Empirical studies
conducted in Chile with participants aged 18 years or older with diagnosed, self-reported or
screen-positive ADHD were included.
Results. A total of 1,587 records were identified; after removing 557 duplicates, 1,030 were
screened and 13 studies published between 2007 and 2026 were included. Six studies were
conducted with university students, three with clinical samples and one with prisoners. Crosssectional and qualitative designs predominated. Prevalence was 2.2% in prisoners (diagnostic
interview) and between 30% and 64% in university students measured with screening scales; in
one medical-student sample, 31% screened positive, compared with 7% based on a self-reported
prior diagnosis. Only one intervention was identified, and no studies were found on the general
population, pharmacological treatment or Chilean validation of instruments.
Conclusions. Chilean evidence on adult ADHD is scarce, recent and concentrated among
university students and in the central region of the country. Studies are needed in the general
population, on treatment, on instruments, and on groups and regions currently absent.