Here's some more information on ADHD and what symptoms to look for in your children or adults

 

ADHD diagnoses have been rising steadily, particularly over the past few decades. This increase is largely attributed to several interconnected factors rather than a true surge in the underlying prevalence of the disorder.

Key reasons for the rise in ADHD diagnoses:

• Increased awareness: Greater understanding among parents, educators, and healthcare professionals has led to more children and adults being evaluated and diagnosed246.

• Decreased stigma: Mental health issues, including ADHD, are now more openly discussed and accepted, encouraging more people to seek help2.

• Expanded diagnostic criteria: The definition of ADHD has broadened over time. Initially, only hyperactive children were diagnosed, but later revisions included inattentive symptoms, which are more common in girls and adults, leading to more diagnoses across genders and age groups24.

• Better access to healthcare: Policy changes and improved healthcare access mean more people can be assessed and diagnosed2.

• Pandemic effects: The COVID-19 pandemic increased mental health concerns and parental observation of children during remote learning, leading to more evaluations and subsequent diagnoses46.

• Social media and public discourse: Increased discussion of ADHD on social media platforms has prompted more people, especially adults, to recognize symptoms in themselves and seek evaluation6.

When did ADHD diagnoses start?

• Early descriptions: Symptoms consistent with ADHD were first described in 1798 by Dr. Alexander Crichton and later in 1902 by Sir George Frederic Still1357.

• Formal recognition: ADHD was not included in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) until 1968, initially called "hyperkinetic reaction of childhood"15.

• Modern terminology: The term "ADHD" began to be used in the late 1980s, with diagnostic criteria continuing to evolve since then57.

In summary: The rise in ADHD diagnoses is primarily due to increased awareness, evolving diagnostic criteria, reduced stigma, and greater access to healthcare, rather than a true increase in the condition’s prevalence248. The formal diagnosis of ADHD began in the late 1960s, but descriptions of its symptoms date back over two centuries1357.

1. https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-history
2. https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/adhd-why-diagnosis-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-rising
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/history
4. https://artsandsciences.syracuse.edu/news-all/news-2024/whats-driving-the-rise-in-adhd-diagnosis-among-children-and-adults/
5. https://www.additudemag.com/history-of-adhd/
6. https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2024/06/why-adult-adhd-rise
7. https://www.theautismservice.co.uk/news/history-of-adhd/
8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9616454/

Parents should look for persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are more severe, frequent, or disruptive than what is typical for a child's age. Key symptoms to watch for include:

Inattention:

• Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play

• Frequently makes careless mistakes or misses details

• Often seems not to listen when spoken to directly

• Struggles to follow through on instructions or finish tasks

• Frequently loses or forgets things needed for activities

• Easily distracted by unrelated stimuli2368

Hyperactivity:

• Fidgets, squirms, or cannot stay seated when expected

• Runs or climbs in inappropriate situations

• Talks excessively or makes more noise than peers

• Appears to be "on the go" or acts as if "driven by a motor"2378

Impulsivity:

• Blurts out answers or interrupts others

• Has trouble waiting their turn

• Acts without considering consequences, sometimes getting into dangerous situations237

Additional early signs in younger children (preschool age):

• Dislikes or avoids activities requiring sustained attention

• Loses interest quickly and switches activities often

• Warms up too quickly to strangers or is overly fearless

• Frequently aggressive with playmates or has trouble with social interactions1

If these behaviors are persistent, occur in more than one setting (such as both at home and school), and interfere with daily functioning, parents should consult a healthcare provider for evaluation257.

1. https://www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/Is-it-adhd-or-typical-toddler-behavior-ten-early-signs-adhd-risk-preschool-age-children
2. https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/signs-symptoms/index.html
3. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/adhd.html
4. https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/adhd-symptoms
5. https://www.adhdcentre.co.uk/for-parents-an-adhd-symptoms-in-children-checklist/
6. https://www.advocarepedgroup.com/behavior/what-are-adhd-signs-in-children-and-how-can-you-he
7. https://www.iowaclinic.com/specialties/primary-care/pediatrics/18-early-warning-signs-of-adhd-you-can-observe-in-your-children/
8. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350889

Adults with ADHD often experience symptoms that can look different from those seen in children, but the core challenges remain: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The most common symptoms in adults include:

• Difficulty focusing and paying attention: Trouble staying on task, easily distracted, frequently losing things, and forgetting daily responsibilities1245.

• Disorganization and poor time management: Struggling to prioritize, missing deadlines, procrastinating, and falling behind on projects2345.

• Impulsivity: Interrupting others, making decisions without considering consequences, impatience, and sometimes engaging in risky behaviors1234.

• Restlessness and excessive activity: Feeling unable to relax, fidgeting, or always needing to be busy—even if outward hyperactivity is less obvious than in children12347.

• Emotional difficulties: Mood swings, low frustration tolerance, irritability, and sometimes anxiety or depression2345.

• Problems with relationships: Difficulty listening, talking over others, and challenges maintaining stable relationships due to inattentiveness or impulsivity345.

• Poor self-esteem: Many adults with ADHD are highly self-critical, often due to a history of underachievement or difficulties in work and personal life35.

For a diagnosis, these symptoms must have been present since childhood, be persistent, and interfere with daily functioning in multiple settings (such as work, home, or social situations)12. Many adults are not diagnosed until later in life, often after recognizing patterns that have caused ongoing challenges25.

1. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adult-adhd
4. https://add.org/signs-of-adhd/
5. https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/what-are-the-signs-of-adhd-in-adults
6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5197-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-in-adults
7. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-adults/
8. https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/signs-symptoms/index.html