ADHD on the rise, 1 in 9 children diagnosed

HARLINGEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found an estimated 7 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Those numbers come from data collected in 2022. The research states that a million more children were diagnosed than in 2016.

The CDC looked at parent surveys and healthcare claims to come up with the diagnosis and treatment numbers.

Experts said there is no test for ADHD. A diagnosis comes from observing children in their normal environments typically at school or home.

German Corso, a Child Psychologist with Tropical Texas Behavioral Health said, “The observations are based on three main or core aspects of the diagnosis. They’re based on inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.”

Corso said it is normal for children to exhibit some of those behaviors. Doctors will compare the observed behavior to what is normal behavior in a child’s developmental stage.

“You can be a very hyper young student, and can be impulsive and have issues focusing,” Corso said. “But, you know, if you’re not getting in trouble, if you’re able to do whatever you’re supposed to be doing in school if you’re passing your grades, it’s unlikely to be ADHD.”

The number of cases Corso has seen is consistent with the studies that have been conducted. He said that decades ago, children who were showing signs of ADHD may not have been diagnosed with the disorder, even though it has been a recognized condition for many years.

“I think we’ve been better at diagnosing people that are suffering from ADHD and we’ve been better at diagnosing them early so that we can help provide different modalities of treatment for them to be doing better,” Corso said.

The CDC study reports that over 75 percent of children diagnosed exhibit co-occurring conditions. They will often experience behavioral problems, anxiety or depression. The findings also show boys are almost twice as likely as girls to be diagnosed.

Treatment for ADHD includes medication, behavioral therapy or a combination of the two. Corso said studies have shown the best outcomes for ADHD treatment are with medication management. He stressed that if you suspect your child might have ADHD, seek out a mental health professional for treatment.

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