ADHD Diagnoses on the Rise: A Closer Look at the Increasing Number of Children in the United States

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology has revealed a significant increase in the number of children diagnosed with ADHD in the United States. Led by Melissa Danielson from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the study found that in 2022, 1 in 9 children aged 3 to 17 were diagnosed with ADHD.

The study defined ADHD as a disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity, functional impairment in various settings, and an onset of symptoms by the age of 12. The increasing number of diagnoses has raised concerns among public health officials.

Data from the National Health Interview Survey showed a 10.2% increase in ADHD diagnoses between 2015 and 2016. In 2022, researchers discovered that more children fell into this category than before, equating to approximately one out of nine children being diagnosed with ADHD.

One notable finding was that boys were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD compared to girls. Boys tended to have behavioral or conduct problems or autism spectrum disorder, while girls had a higher prevalence of anxiety or depression. This suggests that boys may face more barriers to getting an accurate diagnosis due to societal stigma surrounding mental health issues for boys.

The study also highlights several potential factors contributing to the rise in ADHD diagnoses, including heightened awareness and care-seeking for mental health disorders like ADHD and increased access to mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it also notes a decline in the number of children receiving medication or behavioral treatment for ADHD, which could impact their overall well-being.

Overall, these findings highlight the need for continued research on ADHD and its impact on childhood development, as well as addressing any disparities that may exist based on gender or socioeconomic status.