Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent difficulties with inattention, hyperactivity & impulsivity that is out of proportion to developmental expectations, and to the extent that it interferes with functioning or development.
It is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood and can profoundly affect children’s social interactions and well-being as well as lifelong academic & professional achievement.
National survey data from 2016 reveal that 6.1 million (9.4%) of 2- to 17-year-old US children received an ADHD diagnosis during childhood, and 8.4% currently have ADHD.247 Prevalence estimates from community-based samples are somewhat higher, ranging from 8.7% to 15.5%.9,10 Most children with ADHD (67%) had at least 1 other comorbidity, and 18% had 3 or more comorbidities, such as mental health disorders and/or learning disorders. These comorbidities increase the complexity of the diagnostic and treatment processes.
This number includes[GE1] [GE2] :
The majority of care for children and adolescents with ADHD is provided by the child’s PCP, particularly when the ADHD is uncomplicated in nature. In addition, families typically have a high degree of confidence and trust in pediatricians’ ability to provide this professional care. Because of the high prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents, it is essential that PCPs, particularly pediatricians, be able to diagnose, treat, and coordinate this care or identify an appropriate clinician who can provide this needed care[GE3] .
[GE1]Danielson et. al. Prevalence of parent-reported ADHD diagnosis and associated treatment among U.S. children and adolescents,2016. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2018;47(2):199–212)
[GE2]@ryan – how does Carelon handle citations within webpages?
[GE3]Pediatrics (2019) 144 (4): e20192528.