Why Are ADHD Rates So Much Higher in the U.S.?

Chances are, you know someone with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or you might have it yourself. ADHD is a complex condition characterized by symptoms like a constant inability to pay attention, impulsiveness, trouble sleeping, and mood swings. According to the latest data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 7 million children in the U.S. (11.4% of all children) have been diagnosed with ADHD, along with 15.5 million U.S. adults (6% of the adult population)—half of whom were diagnosed as kids. These numbers aren’t fixed, however. The prevalence of diagnosed ADHD has steadily risen in the U.S. over time, and can differ significantly from state to state. Globally, ADHD rates tend to be lower than those seen in the U.S., though prevalence has been increasing in some parts of the world. The reasons for this increase in diagnosed ADHD, or the differing rates across states or countries, aren’t clear. It’s possible that much of this increase simpl ... Read full article.