More kids being diagnosed with ADHD

A U.S. government survey shows a growing number of kids are being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The number of U.S. children with ADHD rose approximately 22% in a recent four-year period, meaning almost one in every 10 kids is now diagnosed with the disorder.

The new estimate comes from a survey released Wednesday that found an increase in ADHD from 2003 to the most recent survey in 2007-08. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) interviewed parents of children ages 4 through 17 in both studies.

Among older teens, the rate of ADHD soared 42%, indicating that health professionals and caregivers might be dealing with a larger and different population of children than they were four years ago, the report said.

ADHD is characterized by an inability to concentrate at school, at home or in social settings. According to the survey, 66.3% of children who suffer from ADHD take medication to combat its symptoms, a marked increase from previous years. The disorder is a neurobehavioral illness that typically begins in childhood and can persist, according to the CDC report. The symptoms can include: difficulty staying focused, paying attention or controlling behavior, and hyperactivity.

It is unclear from the survey results whether the rise in diagnoses is due to an actual rise in ADHD cases stemming from social or environmental factors, or to growing awareness of the disorder, the researchers say.

Some believe that, possibly, doctors are too quick to diagnose a child with ADHD, and parents are worried that this may be a quick fix for other issues a child may be experiencing.