Understanding ADHD Utilizing CDC Data

Written by Paul Moon

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition impacting millions of individuals in the United States. Drawing on data and statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a deeper understanding of the multifaceted aspects of ADHD emerges.

Prevalence and Demographics

According to a national survey from 2016-2019, an estimated 6 million (9.8%) children aged 3–17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD. This encompasses:

• 265,000 (2%) in the 3–5 age group
• 2.4 million (10%) in the 6–11 age group
• 3.3 million (13%) in the 12–17 age group

Additionally, boys (13%) are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls (6%). Racial disparities also exist, with Black, non-Hispanic children and White, non-Hispanic children more often diagnosed (12% and 10%, respectively) than Hispanic children (8%) or Asian, non-Hispanic children (3%).

State-based Estimates and Treatment Variations

Estimates for ADHD diagnosis among children aged 3–17 years vary significantly by state, ranging from 6% to 16%. Similarly, treatment rates also exhibit considerable disparities:

• Any ADHD treatment among children with current ADHD varies from 58% to 92%
• ADHD medication usage ranges from 38% to 81%
• ADHD behavior treatment spans from 39% to 62%

Treatment Patterns and Gaps

A national parent survey from 2016 reveals treatment patterns among children 2–17 years with current ADHD:

• 62% were taking ADHD medication (Ages 2–5: 18%, Ages 6–11: 69%, Ages 12–17: 62%)
• 47% received behavior treatment (Ages 2–5: 60%, Ages 6–11: 51%, Ages 12–17: 42%)
• In total, 77% were receiving treatment, with 30% treated with medication alone, 15% receiving behavior treatment alone, 32% receiving both, and 23% receiving neither.

Services Received by Children with ADHD

An in-depth national survey from 2014 highlights the services received by children aged 4–17 ever diagnosed with ADHD:

• Almost 9 out of 10 received school support
• About 6 out of 10 received some type of behavioral treatment or skills training

Healthcare Claims Data and Treatment Disparities

Healthcare claims data suggest disparities in ADHD treatment:

• Children aged 2–5 covered by Medicaid were twice as likely to receive clinical care for ADHD compared to similar-aged children covered by employer-sponsored insurance.
• Only about 3 in 4 children aged 2–5 receiving clinical care for ADHD received medication, while fewer than half received psychological services.

References

1. Bitsko RH, Claussen AH, Lichstein J, et al. Mental health surveillance among children—United States, 2013–2019. MMWR Suppl. 2022;71(2):1-48.
2. Danielson ML, Holbrook JR, Newsome K., Charania SN, McCord RF, Kogan MD, Blumberg SJ. State-level estimates of the prevalence of parent-reported ADHD diagnosis and treatment among U.S. children and adolescents, 2016–2019. Journal of Attention Disorders, published online May 22, 2022.
3. Danielson ML, Bitsko RH, Ghandour RM, Holbrook JR, Kogan MD, Blumberg SJ. Prevalence of Parent-Reported ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment Among U.S. Children and Adolescents, 2016. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychology. 2018; 47(2), 199-212.
4. Danielson ML, Visser SN, Chronis-Tuscano A, DuPaul GJ. A National Description of Treatment among United States Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The Journal of Pediatrics. 2018 Jan;192:240-246.e1.
5. Visser, SN Danielson ML, Wolraich ML, Fox M, Grosse SD, Valle LA, Holbrook JR, Claussen AH, Peacock, P. Vital signs: National and state-specific patterns of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder treatment among insured children aged 2–5 years — United States, 2008–2014. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR); 2016,65, 443–450.