ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder very common in children, typically characterized by a lack of focus or attention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. ADHD has no diagnostic lab tests. Diagnoses are gathered via the observations of family, friends and teachers. Over 8 percent of children in the United States have ADHD while the adult prevalence rate is just 2.5 percent.¹ More than 6 million Americans ages 4 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD, and the rates vary by region. Prevalence rates in the Midwest are higher than those in western states. Kentucky has the highest rates of ADHD while Nevada has the lowest rates.² There is currently no known cause of ADHD. However, there is evidence that genetics play a role in the prevalence, as three of four children with ADHD have a family member with the condition.³