An alarming trend is revealed by new data just published in the Center for Disease Control's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.Diagnoses of children ages 4-17 with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were up 21.8% between 2003 and 2007.
A neurobehavioral disorder that often persists into adulthood,ADHD is characterized by fidgeting,poor concentration,poor conversational skills and impatience.It is distinguished from normal childhood ebullience by its impairment of functioning in important social and academic settings,including family life.
According to the data,9.7% of children in the age group had been diagnosed with ADHD in 2007,as opposed to 7.8% in 2003.Most of the affected children had mild to moderate symptoms,and 66.3% were being medicated for the condition.
The increased prevalence was most pronounced in children of mixed race or Hispanic origin,as well as older teenagers and those for whom English is a second language.A study published in The Lancet in September presented evidence that ADHD is a genetic disorder.
Medications commonly prescribed for the ailment include the stimulant methylphenidate and the non-stimulant atomoxetine.Dr.Mark Stein of the University of Illinois at Chicago says clinicians are unable to predict in advance who will or will not respond to a particular medication.
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