United States: Adult ADHD cases have increased substantially over the last few years yet ADHD diagnoses for teenagers have stayed consistent, as reported by HealthDay.
Rising ADHD Diagnoses in Adults
New research from Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice reports that ADHD diagnoses in adult patients jumped by 15% between 2020 and 2023 following an 11% decline from 2016 to 2020.
The research team led by Dr. Erick Messias at St. Louis University School of Medicine said several factors work together to explain these trends.
ADHD Diagnoses in Adults Are Increasing https://t.co/hyPqNakRtR | đź”˝ Read More đź”˝
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The diagnosis of ADHD receives greater acceptance and understanding in society today, according to researchers. Due to better health service availability, more individuals receive correct diagnoses.
“As knowledge about ADHD symptoms improves among healthcare providers, parents, and teachers, more cases may be identified and diagnosed,” researchers wrote.
ADHD’s expanded diagnostic standards may explain why more people received this diagnosis.
Study Insights and Methodology
Researchers studied medical records from more than 144,000 patients across Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin at the Sisters of Saint Mary health care system.
Challenges in Diagnosing Adult ADHD
The team conducted a major study to track ADHD diagnosis rates in young people and adults from early COVID-19 to its end.
Sleep problems surprisingly common in adults with ADHD, study finds https://t.co/AyTC90DqfK
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Adult ADHD detection can prove difficult to identify, as noted by Cleveland Clinic experts. Chronic restlessness joins other ADHD symptoms like poor memory issues, delayed work tasks, and difficulties keeping track of personal belongings, as reported by HealthDay.
Implications for Future Research and Care
“Findings from this study support future investigation in identifying potential modifiable risk factors, ensuring sufficient treatment resources, developing targeted interventions, and addressing diagnostic disparities,” the researchers concluded.