Question

There has been an increase in the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis among children during the past 20 years. What are some of the possible explanations for this increase? Consider a range of possible factors, such as social, biological/genetic, cultural, behavioral, psychodynamic, etc.

Answer 1

One increase of the "prevalance" is due to overdiagnosis. Due to this, the DSM, in its next version, will revise their standards for ADHD.

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/201103/proposed-dsm-5-changes-adhd

Answer 2

One reason is that physicians are more aware and are screening for ADHD more than they every have. So the prevalence appears to have increased as an artifact of increase awareness on the medical community. Another explanation may have to do with the marketing BigPharma does for medications. With the availability of stimulants for the treatment of ADHD, more and more people are requesting this medication from their physicians. This also may artificially increase prevalence.

Answer 3

Let me give you a personal story to see if that helps you out.

I am 42 and was diagnosed with ADHD and Aspergers 3 years ago. I also have an MBA.

At school was considered naughty - but was never tested for things like ADHD as that was considered a learning disability, as I was well above average academically it was not considered that I could have a learning disability. Eventually school had to call in an educational psychologist as I was becoming a real problem - he told school that I had a disruptive home life and I had such a high IQ that I was probably bored.

Hope that gives you something to think about.

Answer 4

Smoking has become popular, and if you smoke while your child is in the womb, your child has a good chance of being adhd.