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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Challenges in defining the rates of ADHD diagnosis and treatment: trends over the last decade

Authors: Michael Davidovitch, Gideon Koren, Naama Fund, Maayan Shrem, Avi Porath

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

There is a global trend of large increases in the prevalence and incidence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to address potential causes of these major changes.

Methods

The authors used a large cohort to analyze data employing patients’ electronic medical records, with physicians’ diagnosis of ADHD, including records of medication purchases.

Results

The prevalence of ADHD diagnoses rose twofold from 6.8% to 14.4% between 2005 and 2014 (p < 0.001), while the ratio of males to females with ADHD decreased from 2.94 in 2005 to 1.86 in 2014 (p < 0.001). The incidence increased, peaking in 2011 before declining in 2014. ADHD medication usage by children and adolescents was 3.57% in 2005 and 8.51% by 2014 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We report a dramatic increase in the rate of ADHD diagnoses. One of the leading factors to which we attribute this increase is the physicians’ and parents’ changed attitude towards diagnosing attention/hyperactivity problems, with more parents appear to consider ADHD diagnosis and treatment as a means to improve their child’s academic achievements, commonly with the aid of medications. This change in attitude may also be associated with the dramatic increase in female ADHD diagnosis prevalence.

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Title: Challenges in defining the rates of ADHD diagnosis and treatment: trends over the last decade
Authors: Michael Davidovitch
Gideon Koren
Naama Fund
Maayan Shrem
Avi Porath
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-017-0971-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Challenges in defining the rates of ADHD diagnosis and treatment: trends over the last decade

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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