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That’s about a 67 percent increase.
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This uptick in ADHD diagnoses isnt exactly out of the blue, though.
Previous research shows its part of a continuing trend.
Experts point to a number of possible reasons for this increase, including an increase in health care access.
Researchers also believe weve simply become better at understanding the condition.
The stereotypical presentation of a child with ADHD used to involve a hyperactive boy running around and disrupting class.
This disparity tracks with our increased understanding of ADHD in girls versus boys.
Professionals are more tuned in [now] to the way that ADHD manifests in girls, Power says.
So some parents may have responded yes even if their child never got a formal diagnosis.
The diagnostic rates that are reported here seem high to me, Power tells SELF.
That doesnt mean thats not what happened, but we dont have evidence yet.
Other experts we spoke with, however, wonder if the incidence of ADHD is truly increasing.
Weve been studying this for a while now, he says.
I think weve reached the saturation point for that in terms of physician understanding and recognition of the problem.
And even in the communitymost people know about ADHD, they know friends who are on medication.
Then there is the environmental component, which is even less well understood.
Only about 20 to 30 percent of the risk seems to come from the environment, Dr. Leikauf says.
over the course of 20 years.
The environmental risk factor with the strongest evidence may bepreterm birthand low birth weight.
Hinshaw calls very low birth weight a clear risk factor for ADHD.
Other studies have suggested that exposure to toxins (like leadorsmoking during pregnancyandtraumatic brain injuriesmay play a role.
And in the long term, I think that gives us a lot of hope.
