Briefly About ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. The main symptoms include difficulty sustaining attention, forgetfulness, distractibility, fidgeting, excessive talking, and impulsive behavior.

It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. The prevalence of ADHD depends on age, gender, diagnostic criteria, and the high comorbidity of the disorder. Therefore, estimates in studies vary significantly, as shown in the images above and below. But some key statistics include:

• Global Prevalence: Around 5-7% of children and adolescents are estimated to have ADHD.

• United States: Approximately 9.4% of children aged 2-17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD as of recent data.

• Adults: ADHD is also present in adults, with an estimated prevalence of about 2.5-4.4%.

• The prevalence can be influenced by factors such as diagnostic practices, cultural attitudes, and the availability of health services. Boys are more frequently diagnosed with ADHD than girls, with a ratio of about 2:1 in community samples.