ADHD Statistics in the US: How Common Is It?
In America, 6.4 million children between the ages of four and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.
The diagnosis of attention deficit disorder in yourself or child can result in several different emotional responses.
It can be a relief to know the reason behind the behavior, but it can also be an added stress to an already complicated life.
But, through the diagnostic process, it is essential to understand that you are not alone.
Many families in America undergo a similar experience, and learning more about ADHD and ADHD statistics can help you navigate this new world.
Read on to learn a little about attention deficient disorder, its three different types, and the numbers behind it.
Defining ADHD
In order to delve into the mental disorder that is ADHD, it is first essential to understand what it is.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a medical level neurodevelopmental disorder. It involves problems with attention, concentration, and increased level of activity. This affects a child’s performance in school, social situations, and work.
It is most common in children under twelve, but it can also occur in adults, both men and women. Historically, it is believed to have first mentioned in 1902.
Additionally, attention deficient disorder, known as ADD, has been recently reclassified as a type of ADHD.
Symptoms of ADHD
Several symptoms of this disorder can help a doctor determines if it is a possible cause. There are three types of ADHD.
The first symptom is that patients fail to pay attention to details, and are prone to make frequent mistakes in their work. They may have trouble sustaining attention, listening when spoken to directly, and following directions on projects.
Other potential presentations of the hyperactive-impulsive type include talking excessively, constant restlessness, blurting out sentences, struggling to wait in line, and interrupting others.
Interesting Facts About ADHD
There are several important facts and figures to consider with ADHD, including the sheer amount of people that have the condition.
The CDC reports that an estimated 9.4% of children struggle with it, as well as 4% of adults. 3.2% of women deal with the symptoms of ADHD, whereas 5.4% of men confront this debilitating illness. But, some studies suggest an even higher prevalence in the U.S. alone.
Other ADHD statistics include that the average age of diagnosis is 7, but symptoms typically manifest between the ages of 3 and 6.
As well, in the U.S. 6.1% of children between the ages of 2 and 17 take ADHD medication.
ADHD often overlaps with other disorders, though that does not mean that ADHD is linked to these.
Almost two out of three people with ADHD have at least one other mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder.
Disparities in ADHD Statistics
Children that live below the poverty line are two times more likely to have ADHD, which may represent an environmental component to risk.
The is also huge variation among different states in the United States, according to CDC ADHD rates.
Moreover, kids that come from English-speaking home have four times the likelihood.
There are certain disparities among genders as well. In their lifetimes, 12.9% of males will be diagnosed with ADHD, while only 4.9% of females will be.
This translates to males having a three times higher risk than females. There also may be different symptoms between the girls and boys.
ADHD Treatment & Diagnosis
It is essential to understand the full scope of an ADHD diagnosis. The rates of the disorder have consistently risen since the mid-2000s, and continue to do so.
From ADHD statistics to the basic symptoms of the disorder, being informed can help you determine the best course of action.
If you think your child may be struggling with ADHD, schedule an appointment with NeuroHealth in Arlington Heights. Contact us today.
