Is ADHD more common in certain people?

Asked by: Aaliyah Torphy  |  Last update: December 8, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (62 votes)

Millions of US children have been diagnosed with ADHD
Boys (13%) are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls (6%). Black, non-Hispanic children and White, non-Hispanic children are more often diagnosed with ADHD (12% and 10%, respectively), than Hispanic children (8%) or Asian, non-Hispanic children (3%).

Who is ADHD more common in?

ADHD is also three times more common in males than females, and subtypes tend to have a different prevalence. Due to this discrepancy in the prevalence of ADHD among males and females, researchers have undertaken studies to explore the sex differences in ADHD and the possible cause of the discrepancy.

What ethnicity is more likely to have ADHD?

The CDC study, reported in March of this year, found overall, 14% of children 3-17 have ever been diagnosed with either ADHD or learning disability, including 17% of Black children, 15% of white children and 12% of Hispanic children.

Is ADHD more common in poor people?

Studies have consistently found an association between childhood ADHD/behavioral symptoms of ADHD and socioeconomic disadvantage; ADHD symptoms and diagnosis are more common among those from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds.

Is ADHD a form of autism?

Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD are related in several ways. ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other. Experts have changed the way they think about how autism and ADHD are related.

ADHD diagnoses on the rise in adults, here are the symptoms

29 related questions found

Is ADHD mostly genetic?

ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.

What can ADHD be caused by?

Causes of ADHD

In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including: Brain injury. Exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age. Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy.

Is ADHD inherited from mother or father?

Is ADHD inherited from Mom or Dad? You can inherit genes that boost risk for ADHD from your mother, from your father or from both parents. In a recent Norwegian study, inherited risk was somewhat higher when a child's mother had ADHD compared to their father, but researchers weren't certain why that would be.

Is ADHD more common in high IQ people?

However, there is no correlation between this condition and intelligence. In fact, according to one study , ADHD affects people in the same way across high, average, and low IQ score ranges. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can make it difficult for people to focus and to control impulsive behaviors.

Is ADHD a chemical imbalance?

What is the cause or basis of ADHD? It is an impulse disorder with genetic components that results from imbalances of neurotransmitters. Its effects can be eased by treatment and counseling.

Will one child have ADHD if the other has it?

Anywhere from one-third to one-half of parents with ADHD will have a child with the disorder. There are genetic characteristics that seem to be passed down. If a parent has ADHD, a child has more than a 50% chance of having it. If an older sibling has it, a child has more than a 30% chance.

Is ADHD considered to be a disability?

Yes, ADHD is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504). There are several types of disabilities, including but not limited to: learning disability. cognitive disability.

Can trauma cause ADHD?

But childhood trauma seems to be a big predictor of long-lasting ADHD symptoms. Scientists think early and ongoing exposure to ACEs raise your “toxic levels of stress.” That's bad for anyone's physical or mental health. But it seems to also raise your chances of having moderate to severe ADHD.

Can you outgrow ADHD?

Barkley, PhD. “Children diagnosed with ADHD are not likely to grow out of it. And while some children may recover fully from their disorder by age 21 or 27, the full disorder or at least significant symptoms and impairment persist in 50-86 percent of cases diagnosed in childhood.

What not to say to someone with ADHD?

Here are six common examples of things not to say to your child with ADHD—and what you can say instead.
  • “Having ADHD isn't an excuse.” ...
  • “Everyone gets distracted sometimes.” ...
  • “ADHD will make you more creative.” ...
  • “If you can focus on fun things, you can focus on work.” ...
  • “You'll outgrow ADHD.”

How do people with ADHD think?

The mind of a person with ADHD is full of the minutiae of life (“Where are my keys?” “Where did I park the car?”), so there is little room left for new thoughts and memories. Something has to be discarded or forgotten to make room for new information. Often the information individuals with ADHD need is in their memory…

Can ADHD be detected in DNA test?

Genetic screening cannot determine if a person has ADHD. Genetic screening may be helpful to a prescriber in selecting medications to treat ADHD and related conditions. Genetic screening may reveal information about other conditions that will need to be considered.

Why do so many people think they have ADHD?

(Another big part of the explanation is, of course, the internet and social media, which have contributed to increasing self-diagnosis. Pharmaceutical marketing over the decades is yet another factor that has contributed to increased diagnosis).

Does ADHD skip a generation?

The biggest cause of ADHD is genes,1 which means that ADHD does run in families. Even if no one in your extended family has officially been diagnosed with ADHD, you might notice family members with characteristics and traits that resemble ADHD.

Is ADHD a form of anxiety?

Although anxiety and ADHD may occur together, ADHD is not an anxiety disorder. Sometimes, anxiety can occur independently of ADHD. Other times, it can be as a result of living with ADHD.

Is ADHD a form of Mental Illness?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children.

What is the opposite of ADHD?

Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) isn't an official medical diagnosis buthas a lot in common with some types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). People with SCT have trouble focusing and paying attention, but they're less likely to be impulsive or hyperactive.

What are the benefits of having ADHD?

What are some ADHD benefits?
  • Hyperfocus. Hyperfocusing is a state where an individual with ADHD can focus on a task for hours on end, essentially tuning out everything around them. ...
  • Resilience. ...
  • Creativity. ...
  • Conversational skills and humanity. ...
  • Spontaneity and courage. ...
  • High energy.

Can you get disability pay with ADHD?

In past decades, adults with ADHD were ineligible to receive disability benefits. Fortunately, today, adults with ADHD symptoms that are considered disabling by the Social Security Administration (SSA) may be eligible to receive benefits from the federal government.