
Why it seems like everyone has ADHD these days
Chances are you know someone with ADHD. It might even seem like everyone has it. While the condition is undoubtedly more diagnosed than it was in the past, that doesn't necessarily mean everyone truly has it. So, what's going on? Let's take a closer look.
ADHD diagnoses have been on the rise in recent years, and there are a few possible explanations for why this is the case. First, we now better understand the condition and what it entails. In the past, children who were fidgety or daydreamed a lot might have been written off as lazy or unmotivated. Now, we realize that those behaviors can be symptoms of ADHD. As a result, more children are being diagnosed and treated for the condition.
In addition, the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis have become more expansive over time. Whereas in the past, a child needed to exhibit six or more symptoms from a list of 18 to be diagnosed, today, they only need to show five from a list of nine. This change was made in 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association, and it's thought that it has contributed to the increase in diagnoses.
It's also worth noting that our culture has become increasingly fast-paced and distractible. With continuous access to technology and 24/7 entertainment at our fingertips, it's no wonder that more and more people are struggling to focus. While this doesn't mean they all have ADHD, it could be why many more people struggle with sustained focus.
ADHD diagnoses have been on the rise in recent years, but there could be several reasons for this. Many factors are at play, from changes in diagnostic criteria to increased awareness about the condition. It's also worth considering how our constantly-connected culture might be affecting our ability to focus.
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