Editor's ChoiceMain Category: ADHD
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health;??Psychology / Psychiatry;??Mental Health
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9.7% of children aged between 4 and 17 years had at some time been diagnosed with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 2007, up from 7.8% in 2003, a 21.8% increase, according to data published today in the CDC's (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). The authors say their findings reveal the considerable impact of ADHD.
Experts say ADHD is the most common neurobehavioral disorder with an onset during childhood. However, not only children are affected. A significant number of adults continue having signs and symptoms. ADHD is defined as a neurobehavioral developmental disorder. People with ADHD find it much harder to concentrate on something without being distracted, compared to others. They find it hard to control what they are doing or saying. There may be problems on controlling how much physical activity is suitable for a particular situation. Put simply - the person is much more impulsive and restless than other people.
Normal childhood excitement and boisterous behavior is not ADHD. Very young children are naturally less attentive and more restless than older people. The restlessness and impulsivity of a child with ADHD goes beyond what is normally expected for a child of that age.
The authors write that there are inappropriate levels of inattention and hyperactivity which undermine the individual's functioning in social, family and academic settings.
Below is some highlighted information from the report, all data refer to children aged from 4 to 17 years: 5.4 million children had at some time been diagnosed with ADHD in 200778% of those 5.4 million children had ADHD at the time their parents were asked, a total of 4.1 million children, or 7.2% of all children46.7% of those with ADHD had mild symptoms39.5% of those with ADHD had moderate symptoms13.8% of those with ADHD had severe symptoms13.2% of boys and 5.6% of girls had ADHD13.6% of children covered by Medicaid had ADHD14.2% of multiracial children had ADHD66.3% of those currently with ADHD were taking medication for it, i.e. 2.7 million children, or 4.7% of all childrenBoys aged 11 to 14 years with current ADHD were the most likely ones to be on medicationGirls with current ADHD were more likely to be on medication as they got older85.9% of children with severe symptoms were on medication, compared to 71.6% of those whose symptoms were moderate, and 56.4% of those with mild symptoms.The increase in prevalence of ADHD from 2003 to 2007 was most noticeable among older teenagers, multiracial children, Hispanic children, and those whose primary language was not EnglishTypically, a child with ADHD will have some of the signs and symptoms listed below: Excessive restlessness, overactivity, fidgetingThe child may be constantly chatteringThe child has a tendency to interrupt others when they are talkingConcentration (focus) on specific tasks is shorter, compared to other children of the same ageThe child is inattentiveWaiting his/her turn may be especially difficult"Increasing Prevalence of Parent-Reported Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Children - United States, 2003 and 2007"
SN Visser, MS, RH Bitsko, PhD, ML Danielson, MSPH, R Perou, PhD, SJ Blumberg, PhD
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) November 12, 2010 / 59(44);1439-1443
Written by Christian Nordqvist
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posted by tomkat027 on 11 Nov 2010 at 10:52 amAmazing how the new health care law passed back in april was able to foresee the significant increase in ADHD, under the new law, all health insurance plans will require unlimited mental health benefits.
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posted by CHITTA GANGOPADHYAY on 11 Nov 2010 at 11:25 am
ADHD is generally diagnosed by the doctor helped by his evaluation of parents' and teachers' opinions. There are no clinical tests, and the evaluation is interpretive and subjective. The child penalized with overdose of ritalin which is injurious to his neurological state.
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posted by Hal Smith on 11 Nov 2010 at 11:43 am
Many studies on the overdose of HFCS & Aspartame have shown to have very serious effects on the neuroloical aspects of the brain. Given the fact that these two substances are in almost everything, it's no wonder that the rates have increased! Not to mention, due to the economy, parents and teachers have little tolerence for "normal" child like behavior. Between TV and video games and the poisonous chemicals kids ingest nowadays, it no wonder that are being classified with ADHD. What a scam and a total shame!
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posted by None Ya on 11 Nov 2010 at 11:50 am
ADHD is not even a disease or ailment. It's the lazy doctors looking to make a buck and parents too lazy to raise their children. Please...nutrition can solve any problems associated with the made up ADHD. This country needs to wake up and stop beleiving everything some Doctor tells you. Think for your self and question the doctor on everything. And by the way why is ADHD just an American thing?
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posted by Prabhakar on 11 Nov 2010 at 11:51 am
Only dull and dumb kids will take the crap they teach in schools these days. Intelligent kids will reject it but unfortunately we cannot tolerate their behaviour. Schools should study the kids, tailor the teaching and try to encourage and teach them what they are interested in and not what the Corporations and government want.
Education these days is about creating docile and obedient human beings doing only those what they are told to do and this results in issues like what is described above.
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posted by omaracoustic on 11 Nov 2010 at 11:52 am
Pesticides used to kill bugs on our veggies and fruits are affecting our children. Thank you and goodbye.
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posted by William Goit on 11 Nov 2010 at 11:58 am
The high price of food has led many families to eat more processed and fast food. These food are high is unhealthy fats and sugars. Especially High Fructose Corn Syrup, which certainly leads to amped up behavior. Not to mention the chemical load with a diet of processed and fast food. People suffering from ADHD need a diet high in leafy greens, whole grains and healthy protein. Adequate levels of B vitamins and fats such as fish oil, coconut oil and olive oil, will insure these folks have a chance to come into emotional balance with out resorting to harsh pharmaceuticals.
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posted by Wolf on 11 Nov 2010 at 12:07 pm
ADHD is the normal outcome of having watched television every day since birth.
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posted by Daniel Lofald on 11 Nov 2010 at 12:09 pm
I am a cognitive scientist. To-date, the science is completely un-compelling that this phenomena exists. However, it has proven to be the perfect 'waste-basket' concept to legitimize giving children drugs so they are better behaved. History will look back on this massive drugging of children as a tragedy.
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posted by Arthur on 11 Nov 2010 at 12:14 pm
Very subjective mental state although a real issue to some.
It is very plausible it might be hormonal issue and a diet issue.
So called "treatment" with legalized speed is very hazardous to one's mental state after long periods of use. The side effects are very volatile and often differ from person to person. We really need to find drugs that are more tolerable to the patient.
My advice: don't take adderall or ritalin unless its your last resort
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