It was believed that about 5-6% of children have ADHD, but now it’s more common. The American CDC says 11.4% of kids have it in 2022.
In Sweden, more boys (10.5%) than girls (6%) got an ADHD diagnosis in 2022, 50% more than in 2019.
Why are the rates going up? Here are some reasons:
1. Multiple diagnoses:
Doctors now make more than one diagnosis to better understand a person’s challenges.
2. Increased knowledge:
New professionals are better at spotting ADHD in different groups like girls and adults.
3. Reduced stigma:
ADHD is less stigmatised now, so more people are getting diagnosed without feeling judged.
4. Modern society:
Life nowadays demands strong cognitive skills, which some people struggle with.
5. Higher expectations:
We expect more from ourselves and others, leading to concerns about performance.
6. Changes in schools:
New ways of teaching put more pressure on students, making it harder for those with ADHD traits.
7. Policymakers:
Authorities make it easier to get diagnosed, but this doesn’t focus on helping without a diagnosis.
8. Access to support:
Having a diagnosis is often the only way to get help, so people seek it out.
Sven Bölte, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Science, Karolinska Institutet
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here.
Vocabulary List:
- Diagnoses /daɪəgˈnoʊsiz/ (noun): The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms.
- Stigma /ˈstɪɡmə/ (noun): A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance quality or person.
- Cognitive /ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv/ (adjective): Relating to the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought experience and the senses.
- Diagnosis /ˌdaɪəɡˈnoʊsɪs/ (noun): The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem through examination and analysis.
- Performance /pərˈfɔːrməns/ (noun): The act of performing a task or function; execution.
- Authorities /əˈθɔːrɪtiz/ (noun): A group of people with the power to enforce laws or make decisions.
