How Many People Have ADHD?

Overview

Originally thought to be a mental defect in the ability to control morals, or even an incidence of brain damage, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) has been recognized since the early 1900s. Today ADHD is scientifically recognized as a neurobehavioral disorder causing significant functional impairment, and its prevalence among children and adults is a growing concern.

Statistics

ADHD has been determined by the National Institute of Health to affect 3 to 5 percent of the American population. ADD/ADHD cases in children alone (5 to 17 years old) is about 7.5 percent (see Resources).

Considerations

The number of people afflicted with ADHD may actually be more than the current reports indicate. This is because the diagnostic practices of ADHD can vary by state, or differ depending on socio-demographic characteristics.

Gender Differences

Men are more likely to be diagnosed with ADD than women. Male ADD patients are also more likely to have the hyperactive type, ADHD, while female patients typically have standard ADD without hyperactivity.

Significance

The current statistics of ADHD signify that in a typical classroom of 25 to 30 students, at least one will suffer from ADHD.

Features

Nearly half of the children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD will have at least one parent with this disorder as well.

Costs

With the current number of reported ADHD patients seeking treatment, healthcare costs are estimated to be approximately $3.3 billion a year.

Boys and Girls

Boys are commonly over-referred to their doctors for ADHD testing, while girls are typically under-referred. This is believed to be due the assumptions made regarding boys' loud, more ruckus-style of behavior.

How Many People Have ADHD? by cultureandhealth.org