Epidemiology of ADHD in school-age children

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2000 Jul;9(3):541-55, vii.

Abstract

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a relatively common condition of childhood onset and is of significant public health concern. Over the past two decades there have been 19 community-based studies offering estimates of prevalence ranging from 2% to 17%. The dramatic differences in these estimates are due to the choice of informant, methods of sampling and data collection, and the diagnostic definition. This article provides a critical review of the community-based studies on the prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents. Based on the 19 studies reviewed, the best estimate of prevalence is 5% to 10% in school-aged children. The review also examines age and gender effects on the frequency of ADHD. The article closes with a discussion of psychosocial correlates and patterns of comorbidity in ADHD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales