11 Attention Grabbing Childhood ADHD Statistics
If you are looking for childhood ADHD statistics chances are you are gathering information for a school project or the parent of an ADHD child. Either way, I am glad you have found this page and believe you will find the information presented to be quite interesting. But before we get into childhood ADHD statistics why don’t we take a few seconds to quickly recap what attention deficit hyperactivity disorder actually is, at least according to the American Medical Association.
According to the AMA ADHD is a mental illness characterized by difficulty paying attention and a high degree of restlessness and impulsive behaviour. Symptoms begin before the age of 7, last for at least 6 months, and cause the child substantial difficulty in at least two settings, usually family and home.
Childhood ADHD statistics
* 45 percent of ADHD children exhibit hostile and negative behaviour, with slightly fewer engaging in aggressive behaviour toward people or animals.
* Four out of every ten affected children will struggle with self esteem, depression, anxiety, or opposition to authority by the time they reach adolescence.
* The lowest incidence of prescription medication treatment for this condition in children was reported in California (2.1%), with the highest being in the state of Arkansas (6.5%).
* Hispanic children are the least likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
* Each year the number of children diagnosed with the condition increases by approximately 4 percent.
* The true number of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is unknown, with estimates ranging from 5 to 20 percent. The most likely number is around 7 percent.
* Contrary to popular belief children with this disorder are not smarter than their peers, rather they are on par with their peers.
* Children ages 6 through 11 are the most likely to be diagnosed with ADHD in combination with a learning disability.
* One out of every twenty five children have a combination of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a severe learning disability. There are 2.5 times as many boys facing this challenging combination.
* Children with ADHD, compared to children with ADHD, were more likely to have major injuries (59% to 49%), hospital inpatient (26% to 18%), hospitalised outpatient (41% to 33%), or emergency room visits (81% to 74%).
* Teenage drivers with the condition are more likely to be involved in a traffic accident or receive a traffic citation than their peers.
In summary, childhood ADHD statistics definitely highlight some of the challenges ADHD children and teens face. For those struggling with ADHD finding an effective way to manage their symptoms is an important step. The most common form of treatment currently are prescription stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall and Vyvanse. While effective, all stimulant medications come with a number of serious label warnings.
The risk of side effects, or perhaps lack of success with stimulants, has prompted many to investigate other options. A couple examples of this are behaviour modification therapy and/or natural remedies. Natural remedies for ADHD are a side effect free way to address such problematic symptoms as inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, erratic behaviour and hyperactivity and can be used both as a standalone treatment or as a compliment to other nonprescription alternatives.
About the author: R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field. Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at Purchase Remedies.com
