NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — For the longest time, it was assumed that 5-6% of kids had attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but the rates are often higher. There are three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. In 2022, the CDC put the prevalence at 11.4% of kids. In the same year, the Swedish Board of Health and Welfare reported that 10.5% of boys and 6% of girls were diagnosed — which is 50% more than in 2019. What's the reason behind the rise? Here are eight possible causes: Multiple diagnoses made in the same person. In the past, doctors were trained to limit diagnoses to the most prominent one, and not make certain combinations of diagnoses — for example, autism and ADHD. However, now it's common practice to make as many diagnoses as needed to cover all the symptoms and challenges for a person. "A lot of people receive an ADHD diagnosis through their primary care provider and oftentimes it's a brief questionnaire, and then a primary might be very willing to prescribe a stimulant, which is the treatment of choice," explained Dr. Alexandra Kohlhase from Essentia Health. Increased knowledge and awareness by professionals. There is a new generation of professionals working with higher awareness and knowledge of ADHD, leading to earlier detection and diagnoses in groups that were neglected previously — girls, women, and adults. Reduced stigma. ADHD is less stigmatized in many societies now and doctors have fewer doubts about making the diagnosis. ADHD now has fewer connotations and is becoming a natural part of people's lives. Essentia Health: A leader in healthcare technology Modern society places higher demands on cognitive skills. ADHD isn't a disease, but a malfunctioning composition of cognitive traits on more functional levels — like "attention control," and organizational, and self-regulation skills. Those with lower-than-average skills struggle to cope with demands and might get an ADHD diagnosis. Higher expectations on health and performance. The "social baseline" of average health and performance is higher today than in the past, so people may have concerns about their own or others' functioning. They assume that ADHD could be the explanation. Changes in schools have led to more students struggling. Schools have changed how they teach with digitization, more project- and group-based learning, and more self-guided education. This leads to a less clear learning environment that makes it harder for students with a few ADHD traits to succeed. "Post-pandemic, COVID was very traumatic for a lot of people, and I think that especially looking at kids, kids weren't in school, they didn't learn study skills, they didn't learn how to sit still at a desk, they didn't learn that they really had to attend. Virtual learning was maybe the best option that we had, but it was not a good one," Dr. Kohlhase explained. "Now, a few years after the fact, kids are struggling in school and it looks like they have ADHD, but part of it could simply be they never learned how to really be a good student." Dr. Kohlhase believes that more people are obtaining mental health services, and oftentimes, the lead into that is because they think they have ADHD. She adds that it becomes a safer reason to get help. Policymakers prioritize assessment. Politicians are trying to address the rising rates by making assessments more accessible, so people don't have to wait for long periods of time to get a diagnosis. However, this fuels the number of diagnoses made and doesn't focus on improving how kids are taught, making more neurodivergent-friendly workplaces, and offering support. Diagnosis guarantees access to support and resources. In many societies, support and resources are only accessible with a clinical diagnosis. Dr. Kohlhase said that if you want help, if there is something going on, there are people who can help and it's worth it. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW