The Rise in ADHD Diagnoses and What It Means for Oklahoma Families
Over the past few decades, ADHD diagnoses have been on the rise in the U.S. and around the world. It’s a trend that sparks a lot of questions and sometimes confusion. For families in Oklahoma, understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is an important step in supporting your family’s mental health and well-being.
Let’s break down what’s behind this increase, why it matters and how families can find the right support.
We speak to Courtney Brooke Atchley, D.O., a board-certified pediatrician with INTEGRIS Health Medical Group Rose Creek, to learn more.
“As someone who was diagnosed later in life, despite showing symptoms early in childhood, I know how both the kiddos and the parents feel,” Atchley says. “I have first-hand experience with living with ADHD, both medicated and not medicated. I'm here to help kiddos and their families navigate ADHD so that those kiddos can grow up to be outstanding members of society. This is what drives me.”
Why are ADHD diagnoses increasing?
The number of people getting an ADHD diagnosis has gone up, but it's not as simple as it sounds. The rise is actually due to a few different things coming together, changing how we view and talk about the disorder.
- We know more about ADHD
Not too long ago, behaviors like restlessness or trouble paying attention might have been brushed off as a child being “difficult” or “lazy.” Today, parents, teachers and doctors have a much deeper understanding of ADHD.
This awareness has helped kids get the right support earlier. It’s also opened the door for adults to recognize their own symptoms and finally seek a diagnosis.
- Changes in diagnostic criteria
The medical community has also updated how ADHD is diagnosed. Changes to the DSM-5 (the guide doctors use for mental health conditions) mean fewer symptoms are needed for an official diagnosis, especially for teens and adults. That’s made it easier for providers to spot ADHD sooner and more accurately.
- A more open conversation about mental health
The biggest factor might be the growing conversation around mental health. What used to be a subject clouded by shame and silence is now part of everyday conversations. This shift makes it easier for people to speak up, ask questions and get professional help.
Other factors affecting new ADHD diagnoses
The rising number of ADHD diagnoses isn't just about greater awareness and updated criteria. Other factors play a significant role in helping us get a more accurate picture of how common ADHD really is.
Co-occurring conditions
Experts now have a much better grasp of how different conditions can exist together. For example, a person with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often at a higher risk for also having ADHD, and vice versa.
This newfound understanding has led to more accurate diagnoses for people who might have been misdiagnosed or whose symptoms of ADHD were missed. It's a huge step forward in providing more effective mental health and ADHD treatment options.
Social and environmental factors
Our modern world is full of constant digital stimulation, especially from social media. This can sometimes amplify feelings of inattention and impulsivity, which are common symptoms of ADHD. While these factors don't cause the disorder, they can make symptoms more noticeable. Plus, a better understanding of risk factors like genetics and certain environmental influences helps pediatricians identify the disorder earlier in school-age children.
Overdiagnosis vs. underdiagnosis
There's a lot of debate in the health care community about whether the rise in diagnoses is a sign of overdiagnosis. While that's a valid concern, many experts argue that a lot of people are still underdiagnosed.
This is especially true in cases of adult ADHD and in women and girls who often present with different symptoms. The goal of a proper ADHD diagnosis isn't to diagnose everyone, but to ensure that anyone who needs ADHD treatments, like behavioral therapy or medications, can get them.
ADHD diagnoses FAQs
The conversation around attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is complex, and it’s natural to have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common questions and a look at the details behind the headlines.
What is the 30% rule in ADHD?
The "30% rule" is not an official medical guideline but a concept that a leading researcher, Dr. Russell Barkley, proposed to help people understand the developmental delay that can come with ADHD.
It suggests that the brain of an individual with ADHD may be about 30% behind their peers in the development of executive functions. This does not have anything to do with intelligence. It is a concept that helps to explain why someone with ADHD might have challenges with things like planning, time management, and emotional regulation.
Is ADHD a form of autism?
No, ADHD is not a form of autism. They are both considered neurodevelopmental disorders, but they are distinct conditions. The confusion often comes from the fact that they can share some similar symptoms of ADHD, such as challenges with social skills and executive function.
However, ADHD is primarily characterized by inattention and impulsivity, while autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by social and communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. It is also important to note that ADHD and autism can co-exist, and a person with one condition is at a higher risk of having the other.
Who is more prone to getting ADHD?
While anyone can receive an ADHD diagnosis, some people are at a higher risk. Genetics is a significant risk factor, and a person with a family member who has ADHD is more likely to have it. Gender also plays a role, with boys being more frequently diagnosed than girls, particularly during school-age years.
However, this may be a sign of a diagnostic bias, as girls often present with less hyperactivity and more subtle symptoms of ADHD, leading to them being underdiagnosed. Other risk factors include low birth weight, premature birth and exposure to certain substances during pregnancy.
What is the 24-hour rule for ADHD?
The "24-hour rule" is a coping mechanism for individuals with ADHD to manage impulsivity. It is a tool for self-regulation, not a medical rule for the diagnosis of ADHD. The idea is to wait 24 hours before making a significant or impulsive decision. This waiting period allows a person to cool down and think through the situation with a clearer mind. The rule can be a very effective tool for managing the impulsivity that comes with ADHD.
Find the right support for your family at INTEGRIS Health
At INTEGRIS Health, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive health care and support for Oklahomans. Our pediatric and psychiatry professionals can help you navigate a potential ADHD diagnosis for your child or for yourself. We can also provide resources on ADHD treatment options, including behavioral therapy and ADHD medications. Our goal is to ensure that everyone in Oklahoma has access to the mental health services they need to thrive.
