Prevalence rates among grade-schoolers are approximately 3%–7% (American Psychiatric Association, 2000) with about 65 to 80% of those children continuing to meet diagnostic criteria into adolescence (Barkley, 1990; Hart, Lahey, Loeber, Applegate, & Frick, 1995). The estimated prevalence of ADHD is between 7.5% and 9.4% in high school students and 4% to 5% in college students.
Prevalence rates may be 4% in girls and 8% in boys in the preschool age group (Gadow,Sprafkin, & Nalan, 2001) but may fall to 2-4% in girls and 6-9% in boys during the 6 to 12 years-old age period based on parent reports (Breton et al., 1999; Szatmari, Offord, & Boyle, 1989). According to NCHS data (2011) ADHD prevalence increased from 1998–2000 to 2007–2009 for non-Hispanic white children (from 8.2% to 10.6%) and for non-Hispanic black children (from 5.1% to 9.5%). In 1998–2000, non-Hispanic white children had higher ADHD prevalence compared with all other race groups, and Mexican children had the lowest prevalence. In 2007–2009, ADHD prevalence was similar among non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Puerto Rican children. ADHD was lower among Mexican children compared with children in the three other racial and ethnic groups. .
Common Comorbid Disorders:.
The diagnosis of ADHD can be complicated with the existence of comorbid disorders. It makes the task almost impossible as the symptoms are lookalike with the symptoms of the other conditions. The presence of comorbid disorders complicates the prescription of the medications as they can influence each other. In this case, it is crucial to recognize the specific symptoms of ADHD and provide the proper treatment for the children.
Common comorbid disorders with ADHD are Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Conduct Disorders (CD), Learning Disorders, Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Children who meet criteria for ADHD, especially the Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive and Combined Types, should be considered with respect to ODD.