ADHD in Children and Adolescents: Why Are Diagnoses on the Rise?
In recent years, diagnoses of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents have increased significantly in several countries. In the United States, for example, it is estimated that about 1 in 9 children has received this diagnosis. In Europe, too, the number of families seeking specialized evaluation has grown significantly. After all, what explains this trend?
Greater knowledge and awareness
One of the key factors is greater public and professional awareness of ADHD. Today, parents and teachers are more attuned to signs that previously went unnoticed or were mistaken for misbehavior. At the same time, doctors, psychologists, and researchers have helped demystify the disorder, making it more visible in the media and in awareness campaigns.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology reveals that 11.4% of children between the ages of 3 and 17 in the USA will be diagnosed with ADHD by 2022 - around 1 in 9 children. This represents a significant increase on previous years, with more than 1 million new diagnoses between 2016 and 2022.
Another study, by JAMA Network Open, analyzed trends between 1997 and 2016 in children and adolescents, revealing an increase in prevalence from 6.1% to 10.2% in that period.
It is important to remember that ADHD is not just a childhood disorder. It is a condition that many people live with throughout their lives, and it can be managed with specialized support, appropriate educational strategies, and, in some cases, medication.
ADHD in Children and Adolescents: How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common diagnoses in children, affecting approximately 5 to 7% of school-aged children worldwide. It is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity, which directly impact a child’s academic, family, and social life. Recognizing the signs early is essential to ensuring appropriate care and promoting well-being.
Three main dimensions
The symptoms of ADHD are generally grouped into three main dimensions: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Although they can appear simultaneously, in some cases one pattern predominates over the others.
1. Inattention
Children and adolescents with this profile have difficulty maintaining concentration on tasks that require prolonged mental effort. Some common signs include:
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Easily distracted by external stimuli;
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Difficulty following instructions or completing schoolwork;
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Frequently forgetting materials, work or appointments;
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Avoid activities that require continuous mental effort, such as homework;
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Seeming not to listen when spoken to directly.
2. Hyperactivity
In hyperactivity, behaviors of motor agitation and difficulty in remaining at rest predominate:
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Constantly moving hands and feet or not being able to sit still;
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Getting up in situations where they should be sitting down (classroom, family meals);
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Talking excessively or frequently interrupting others;
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Showing difficulty in playing or carrying out activities calmly.
3. Impulsiveness
Impulsivity is associated with self-regulation difficulties and a tendency to act without thinking about the consequences:
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Interrupting conversations or group activities;
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Having difficulty waiting for their turn (e.g. games, queues, classroom);
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Answering hastily before the question is finished;
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Taking risky decisions without assessing the dangers.
The symptoms of ADHD are not limited to the school environment. They can affect self-esteem, friendships and even family life.
It's natural for all children to be restless or distracted at times. What distinguishes ADHD is the persistence, intensity and impact of these symptoms on various areas of the child's life. If the signs described interfere significantly with school performance, family life or social relationships, a neuropsychological assessment is recommended.
