A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology on May 22 has revealed a significant increase in the number of children being diagnosed with ADHD. The study, led by Melissa Danielson from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that 1 in 9 children between the ages of 3 and 17 in the United States were diagnosed with ADHD in 2022.
Data from the National Health Interview Survey shows a 10.2% increase in ADHD diagnoses in the US between 2015-2016, with 11.4% of children aged 3-17 diagnosed with ADHD in 2022. The study labeled the rise in diagnoses as an “expanding public health concern.”
One finding from the study indicated that boys had a higher prevalence of ADHD than girls. Boys were more likely to have behavioral or conduct problems, while girls showed a higher prevalence of anxiety or depression. The study suggested that the increase in ADHD diagnoses could be due to a growing awareness of the disorder and poor mental health among children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The research highlighted a transformation in public awareness of ADHD, with potentially reduced stigma around seeking mental health care. The study recommended more screening for children, citing potential benefits. Despite the increase in diagnoses, there has been a decrease in the number of children receiving medication or behavioral treatment for ADHD. In 2022, 30.1% of children with ADHD were not receiving treatment, compared to 23% in 2016.
