A study conducted on more than 840,000 children between the ages of five and eleven in California found that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is rising at a rapid rate.
The objective of this study was to examine the current trends in ADHD symptoms and diagnosis over an extended period of time. Data was collected between 2001 and 2010.
The results of this study revealed that ADHD has increased over 24% during this period. The researchers of this study noted significant increases of ADHD symptoms and diagnosis for African-American females and those Caucasian children living in high income households.
The study is published in the online journal, JAMA Pediatrics.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, ADHD symptoms are related to inattentiveness, over-activity (hyperactivity), impulsivity, or a combination of these signs. These indicators must be determined to be beyond the normal range for a child's age and development in order for the ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ADHD is one of the most common childhood neurobehavioral disorders occurring in 3-5% of children.
Experts say that these rising numbers of diagnosis in California may be due to better awareness of the disorder and it's related symptoms.
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