Diagnosis of ADHD Surges in U.S. Kids

[Purveyor]

Source: Reuters

DEC 8 2015, 5:24 PM ET

More than 10 percent of U.S. children have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), reflecting a surge in recent years particularly among girls and minority groups, a new study finds.

Spikes in diagnoses among girls, Hispanics and older kids may be the result of better screening and monitoring among previously under diagnosed groups, experts say.

Roughly 5.8 million children aged five to 17 years are now diagnosed with ADHD, which is characterized by social and behavioral problems as well as challenges in school, according to the analysis of cases reported by parents from 2003 to 2011.

"THE SHARPER INCREASE AMONG GIRLS WAS A SURPRISE PRIMARILY BECAUSE ADHD IS TYPICALLY DIAGNOSED AMONG BOYS."

Diagnosis rates jumped 43 percent overall during the study period, from 8.4 percent of children in 2003 to 12 percent by 2011.

Read more: http://www.nbcnews.com/health/kids-health/diagnosis-adhd-surges-u-s-kids-n476541