More children are receiving ADHD diagnoses as the disorder is better understood (Image credit: Peter Dazeley / Getty Images)
By Devika Rao, The Week US
published 3 June 2024
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is on the rise, especially among American children. The number of diagnoses notably increased between 2016 and 2022, largely due to there being a better understanding of the condition, better mental health screenings and as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The U.S. is also facing a shortage of Adderall, making effective treatment of ADHD more difficult. How have ADHD numbers changed?
ADHD is an "ongoing and expanding public health concern," said a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The condition is defined as a "neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and problems in sustaining attention that cause impairment in many areas of life," said News Medical . While it can be hereditary, research has also shown that environmental factors can contribute to ADHD. In 2022, 7.1 million children and adolescents in the U.S. were diagnosed with the disorder, which is a million more children than in 2016. Additionally, 58.1% of children already diagnosed with ADHD had moderate or severe cases and 77.9% had at least one co-occurring disorder, for example, "behavioral problems such as anxiety or depression and developmental problems such as a learning disability or a speech delay," said ABC News .
While cases of ADHD have increased, there has been a decrease in the number of children receiving medical treatment for the disorder, including medication and behavioral therapy. "Older children between ages 12 and 17 were more likely than younger children between ages 6 and 11 to go untreated," said ABC News. "Children living in non-English speaking households were also less likely to report receiving treatment." Then there is the ongoing shortage of Adderall , one of the main drugs prescribed to treat ADHD, as a result of manufacturing delays and supply chain issues coupled with increased demand. Subscribe to The Week
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