Understanding the Rise in ADHD Diagnoses Among Youth
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ADHD has been a hot topic in recent years, with diagnoses in children steadily increasing. A 2022 study found that 1 in 19 children between the ages of 3-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD (Danielson et al., 2024), with many more likely undiagnosed. Understanding ADHD, its causes, and treatment options is essential in ensuring children receive the right support.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interfere with daily life. The condition presents in three types:
Inattentive type (difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, disorganization)
Hyperactive/impulsive type (restlessness, impulsivity, difficulty sitting still)
Combined type (a mix of inattentive and hyperactive symptoms)
ADHD Statistics & Underdiagnosis in Girls
ADHD diagnoses in children have risen from 6-8% in 2000 to 9-10% in 2018 (Danielson et al., 2024). Studies show that ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in boys, children from lower-income households, and those with public health insurance. However, girls with ADHD are often misdiagnosed or overlooked. Since they tend to exhibit less disruptive behaviors, their symptoms may be mistaken for anxiety or depression. This makes it critical for parents, educators, and clinicians to recognize the diverse ways ADHD can present in children.
Why Are ADHD Rates Increasing?
Several factors may be contributing to the rise in ADHD diagnoses:
Increased awareness and improved diagnostic tools help identify ADHD more accurately.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have exposed previously undiagnosed ADHD, as children experienced heightened stress, anxiety, and difficulty focusing.
Genetic factors play a significant role in ADHD development.
Unproven environmental factors such as sugar, food additives, and pollutants have been speculated as contributors, though research has not confirmed these claims.
ADHD Treatment & Therapy
The most effective treatment for ADHD often includes a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and educational accommodations (Danielson et al., 2022). Treatment approaches vary by age:
Children under 6 typically benefit most from behavioral and parent training.
Children 6+ may require a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.
At Collective Hope, our trained therapists help children with ADHD develop executive functioning skills such as organization, time management, and task initiation. Therapy also addresses co-occurring conditions like ADHD with anxiety or OCD. Using evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based therapy, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to each child’s unique needs.
While ADHD presents challenges, it also comes with strengths. Through the right support and interventions, children with ADHD can develop coping strategies, build confidence, and harness their strengths to thrive in their daily lives. If your child is struggling with ADHD symptoms, therapy can be a valuable tool in helping them manage their condition and unlock their full potential.
Sources:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
Daniel, M.L., Claussen, A.H., Bitsko, R.H., Katz, S.M., Newsome, K., Blumberg, S.J., Kogan, M.D. & Ghandour, R. (2024). ADHD prevalence among U.S. children and adolescents in 2022: Diagnosis, severity, co-occurring disorders, and treatment. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 53(3), 343-360. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2024.2335625
Littman, Ellen B. (2021). Gender myths & ADHD. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). Retrieved from https://chadd.org/adhd-news/adhd-news-educators/gender-myths-adhd/
