A Modern Perspective on ADHD
ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is often considered a mental condition of children, but this is not true. It is a persistent mental disorder that starts in childhood and remains with the person in adulthood. But the condition and symptoms can be different from those of childhood.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition in children. It can be genetic or from environmental factors. Children show symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
These symptoms affect a person’s life at school, at home, at work, and in social settings. However, the diagnosis requires a complete understanding of symptoms and especially when it lasts for more than six months and appears multiple times. So, it becomes a challenge, and immediate help is needed to control the situation.
Types of ADHD
ADHD has three main types that are based on a person’s most noticeable symptoms. These are
- Difficulties with focus and organization are characteristic of the predominantly inattentive presentation.
- The predominantly hyperactive-impulsivity shows restlessness and actions without thinking.
- The combined symptoms have a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD can change from one child to adulthood. Hyperactivity and impulsivity are often the most noticeable in children. But inattention becomes apparent in adulthood. This can affect their work, social life, and relationships.
The recognition of these different types is important for the exact diagnosis of ADHD and treatment support for all ages.
Current Statistics of ADHD in the USA
About 15.5 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD in 2023, which is about 6% of the adult population. This number has nearly doubled since 2018. Over half of these adults were diagnosed later in life. An estimated 7.1 million U.S. children also have ADHD.
Demographic patterns show that boys are diagnosed about twice as often as girls. White children are more likely to be diagnosed than Black or Hispanic children. Also, the number of diagnoses tends to go down as family income rises. Differences like these could be caused by not being able to get a diagnosis, not being able to recognize signs or cultural factors. This shows that we need better ways to diagnose problems.
A lot of people with ADHD can’t get their medicine. 71.5% of people who were taking medicine had trouble getting their prescriptions filled last year. This shortage makes medication less effective, which can make symptoms worse, make it harder to do daily tasks, and raise the risk of overdose.
Adhd Prevalence In The U.S. (2023)
About 6% of American adults, or about 15.5 million people, had ADHD in 2023. It was found that between 2018 and 2023, the number of people with ADHD doubled.
Of those adults, half were diagnosed in adulthood. Additionally, 7.1 million American children had ADHD, with boys being nearly twice as likely to have it as girls.
A significant number of people with the condition, 71.5%, faced challenges in filling their prescriptions.
The Root Causes of ADHD
ADHD is understood to have a complex etiology, with both genetics and environmental factors that become the cause of ADHD.
Research indicates that ADHD is 60% to 80% hereditary, that comes with genes which is a strong sign of a healthy genetic tendency. This means that they are more likely to have ADHD symptoms if blood relatives, such as parents or siblings, have had it.
Other than genetics, there are environmental factors that also play a considerable role in the development of ADHD. This includes prenatal exposures, like parents’ use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco during pregnancy.
Toxins in the surroundings, such as lead found in old paint and pipes, have also been a risk. Low birth weight and being born before their due date are also linked to a higher chance of ADHD. Even though genetics play a big role, understanding the environmental factors that cause ADHD can help lessen the signs or severity of the condition.
Hope and Management
ADHD is a neurological disorder, but it is very easy to deal with. People can successfully deal with their symptoms if they have a full, personalized treatment plan and diagnosis that often includes both medication and psychosocial therapies. They can improve how they do things in their daily lives and live full lives.
You can get skilled help at solidpsychiatry.org, where you can start on your path to health and happiness.