Statistics of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

The number of cases of ADD/ADHD continues tois the role that health care plays in an ADD and
rise every year, with more and more children andADHD diagnosis. Children who belong to families
adults receiving a diagnosis each day. There arewith good health care coverage report far higher
numerous statistics with Attention Deficit Disordernumbers of ADHD diagnosis than those without
and while not every result is the same for eachhealth insurance. Obviously, the children with good
study, there are definite trends and commoncoverage will be having more doctor visits and
traits that seem to emerge over this condition.more contact with a mental health care
Earlier studies indicated that over 20% ofprofessional than someone without coverage.
school-age children were affected with thisThese findings have led to much discussion over
disorder, although there seems to now be a morewhether or not cases of ADD and ADHD are
conservative estimate of 3-5% that is accepted.being over-diagnosed among those who have
In addition, approximately 1 in 82 (or 1.21% or 3.3regular and proper health insurance coverage. And,
million) people overall in the United States alonein that light, perhaps the children who do not
have been diagnosed. The Centers For Diseasereceive the adequate health care are being
Control and Prevention (CDC) put out a reportunder-diagnosed.
that suggested 1.6 million elementary school agedWhatever the findings, the statistics with
children had been diagnosed with Attention DeficitAttention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit
Disorder or Attention Deficit HyperactivityHyperactivity Disorder show that it is a condition
Disorder. It is considered to be one of the mostthat is on the rise. It can be hard to get a real
common mental disorders in children.understanding of how accurate much of the
Studies also demonstrate that almost half thestatistics are due to the fact that many people in
number of children who receive an ADD/ADHDthe world do not having access to proper medical
diagnosis will have some other form of learningcare.
disability as well.Not only that, but perhaps the medical profession
Another common finding, is the fact that amay be adding to the confusion of the statistics
diagnosis is more common in boys than in girls,by giving an ADD/ADHD diagnosis too easily. In
with results showing anywhere from 3 to 10the end, the statistics that are available give
times more likely for boys to be diagnosed. Inenough answers to realize that it is a condition
addition, White non-Hispanic children seem to bethat society needs to continue researching.
more than twice as likely as Hispanic and blackTo find out more helpful tips and information
non-Hispanic children to be diagnosed with ADHD.about Attention Difficulties, be sure to visit the
The next finding that seems to be fairly commonAttention Deficit Disorder website.