Understanding ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Here are some statistics and general information on ADD from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of 2007, 5.4 million children between the ages of 4 and 17 had been diagnosed with ADHD.

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but hyperactivity is not always a problem. Some children and adults with the disorder are actually lethargic and tire quickly when they have mental problems.

The CDC says that about 10% have been diagnosed, but surveys indicate that more than 30% of parents believe their children are affected. The parents chose not to have a medical evaluation to confirm their suspicions. In some cases, they are managing their children’s problems without medication.

There is an advantage to having an official diagnosis if the child attends a public school in the US All children in the US are entitled by law to a free and appropriate education.

Children with ADHD are eligible for an individualized education program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The school may be required to provide private tutoring or make special arrangements for testing. After graduation, the IEP can help a student succeed in college.

According to CDC information on ADD, about 66% of children currently diagnosed with the disorder are taking some form of prescription medication. Children ages 11 to 17 were more likely to take medication than those ages 4 to 10.

There is some geographic variability in the occurrence of the disorders. No one understands why, but less than 6% of children in Nevada have been diagnosed with ADHD, while nearly 16% of those in North Carolina have.

The CDC notes that insurance coverage may be one reason for differences in diagnosis. While collecting data on ADD, CDC scientists noted that the highest rates of the disorder were among children covered by Medicaid.

Medications can be expensive, as can doctor visits. Children who are not covered by health insurance may simply not be diagnosed.

Worldwide, the incidence of the disorder is higher in the US and the UK than in other parts of the world. The incidence is lowest in Egypt and Africa.

Critics of the pharmaceutical industry in both the US and the UK believe that advertising by pharmaceutical companies may be responsible for the higher incidence. Pharmaceutical companies say they have done a good thing by providing information about ADD to the general public. Critics say children are being drugged needlessly.

Prescription drugs are not the only treatment for attention deficit disorders. Research has shown that symptoms generally improve with age, regardless of whether or not prescription drugs are used.

Comparative studies have shown that medications are no more effective than other treatments, such as counseling, nutrition therapy, dietary changes, regular physical activity, and IEPs. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act even allows for private school if the public school system cannot meet the child’s needs, although parents usually have to get a lawyer to get tuition reimbursed.

A great deal of information on ADD is available from reputable sources. If you think your child has a problem, you may want to take the time to learn more about treatment options before visiting your pediatrician.