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Sections:
- Prevalence in Children and Adolescents
- Prevalence in Adults
- Prevalence by Gender
- Prevalence by Race/Ethnicity
- Prevalence within Families

ADHD: Prevalence Rates

According to a national 2016 survey, the estimated number of children ever diagnosed with ADHD is 6.1 million (9.4%). This number includes:
- 388,000 children aged 2-5 years.
- 2.4 million children aged 6-11 years.
- 3.3 Million children aged 12-17 years.

This study also identified that the estimated number of children currently diagnosed with ADHD is approximately 5.4 million (8.4%), including:
- 335,000 children aged 2-5 years.
- 2.2 million children aged 6.11 years.
- 2.9 million children aged 12-17 years.

According to the same survey, 6 in 10 children with ADHD had at least one mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder in addition to an ADHD diagnosis:
- About 5 in 10 children with ADHD had a behavior or conduct problem.
- About 3 in 10 children with ADHD had anxiety.

ADHD: Prevalence in Children and Adolescents

According to a national 2016 survey on ADHD:
- 14% of boys were diagnosed with ADHD.
- 6.3% of girls were diagnosed with ADHD.

According to the CDC, boys are three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD. 

This disparity may exist due to the difference in ADHD presentation in boys and girls. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD, which is characterized by more externalized symptoms, such as fidgeting and of trouble sitting still, and show more apparent behavioral issues. Girls are more likely to be diagnosed with inattentive type ADHD, which is characterized by more internalized symptoms that often go unnoticed, and exhibit less behavioral problems.

As a result of these differences, ADHD is often under-diagnosed in girls, and research shows this can lead to more problems with their self-esteem and mental health.

ADHD: Prevalence by Gender

Approximately 1/3 of children diagnosed with ADHD retain the diagnosis into adulthood.

The overall estimated prevalence of current adult ADHD is 4.4%.
- The estimated lifetime prevalence of ADHD in U.S. adults aged 18-44 years is 8.1%.
- The estimated worldwide prevalence of adult ADHD is estimated at about 2.8%.
- Prevalence was higher for males (5.4%) vs. females (3.2%).
- Non-Hispanic white people (5.4%) have a higher prevalence than all other race/ethnicity groups.

ADHD: Prevalence in Adults

According to the 2016 national survey, for children aged 2-17 in the U.S.:
- 8.4% of white children have been diagnosed with ADHD.
- 10.7% of black children have been diagnosed with ADHD.
- 6.0% of Hispanic/Latinex children have been diagnosed with ADHD.
- 9.1% of Non-Hispanic/Latinex children have been diagnosed with ADHD.
- 6.6% of "other" children have been diagnosed with ADHD.

ADHD: Prevalence by Race/Ethnicity

It is fairly common for multiple members of a family to have ADHD. A clinical sample of parents of children with ADHD was found to have ADHD themselves (41.3% of mothers, 51.0% of fathers);  the inattentive subtype is the most common, then the mixed subtype and hyperactive subtypes respectively. Additionally, younger siblings of those with ADHD are 13x more likely to also have ADHD. These younger siblings also have an increased risk of developing ASD.

ADHD: Prevalence within Families

A clinical psychologist is reviewing referral data from a large, diverse school district. Based on national prevalence rates for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, which of the following observations would be the most expected finding?

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