From the Conversation: For a long time it was assumed that somewhere between 5 and 6% of children have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But the rates, in practice, are often higher. The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention put the prevalence at 11.4% in children in 2022.
The Swedish Board of Health and Welfare reports that in 2022 10.5% of boys and 6% of girls received an ADHD diagnosis, which is 50% more than in 2019. And the board forecast that the rates will eventually plateau at 15% for boys and 11% for girls.
So, what might be the reasons behind the startling rise? Here are eight possible causes, many of which overlap and interact with each other.
1. Multiple diagnoses made in the same person
Previously, doctors were recommended by diagnostic manuals and trained to limit diagnoses in an individual to the most prominent one, and not to make certain combinations of diagnoses at all – for example, autism and ADHD. Today, it is recommended and common practice in the mental health sector to make as many diagnoses needed to meaningfully describe and cover the symptoms and challenges of a person.
2. Increased knowledge and awareness by professionals
Today, there is a new generation of professionals working in services with higher awareness and knowledge of ADHD. This has led to earlier detection and to ADHD being diagnosed in groups that were previously neglected, particularly girls and women - but also in adults, generally
3. Reduced stigma
In many societies, ADHD is far less stigmatized than previously. Doctors have fewer doubts about making the diagnosis, and those receiving it feel less stigmatized. For more and more people, ADHD has fewer negative connotations and is becoming a natural part of people’s identities .
4. Modern society places higher demands on cognitive skills
ADHD is not a disease but a malfunctioning composition of cognitive traits that exist on more functional levels, even in the general population, such as “attention control” (concentration) and organizational and self-regulation skills. Modern societies are fast and complex, placing high demands on these cognitive traits. So, people with lower-than-average skills in these key cognitive areas begin struggling to cope with everyday demands and might receive an ADHD diagnosis.
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