*JAMA*: Steep Increase in ADHD Diagnoses

In the Feb 12, 2014, Vol 311, No. 6 edition of *Journal of the American Medical Association* there is an article: "Steep Increase in ADHD Diagnoses."

Here are some excerpts:

[begin excerpts]

A recent analysis indicates that the proportion of children having a history of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increased by 42% in less than a decade.

Investigators used data from the National Survey of Children's Health, a random-digit-dialed telephone survey, to compare the differences between 2003 and 2011 in how many parents say a health professional had ever diagnosed their child with ADHD.

Interesting snips below from the JAMA suggesting a steep increase in ADHD diagnoses.

<snip>

The 2011 prevalence rate represented more than 6.4 million children and teens nationally.

Among children and teens who ever had been diagnosed with ADHD, 82.3% had a current diagnosis, for a national 2011 prevalence of 8.8%, representing 5.1 million individuals.

Of those with a current diagnosis, 69% were taking ADHD medication.

The prevalence of current medication use from 2007 to 2011 increased most among girls aged 4 to 10 years , whites, children in households with income above the federal poverty level, and children in the Midwest.

According to the data, 6.4% of high school students were taking ADHD

medication, a figure that could warrant attention given the increasing concerns about medication abuse, misuse, and diversion.

The investigators, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration, noted that the data might indicate actual increases in ADHD prevalence, but firm conclusions weren't possible.

The increases could be related to clinicians' growing confidence in treating ADHD as well as to increased awareness, educational policies, and changes in public perception....

[end excerpts]

Reposted by:

Charles R. Davenport, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Charles R. Davenport, Psy.D., LLC.

Offices: Sarasota, FL and Venice, FL

www.drcharlesdavenport.com