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NIMH Survey: ADHD Is The Most Prevalent Mental Disorder Among Youth

By HERWriter
 
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When people think of mental and behavioral disorders in children, ADHD is what commonly comes to mind. According to a new survey, they are correct in assuming there is a prevalence of this specific mental disorder in youth.

In a new survey by the National Institute of Mental Health, 8.6 percent of respondents ages 8 to 15 had ADHD. There were 3,042 participants. Although that may not seem like a large percentage of the population, the fact is that ADHD is the most prevalent mental disorder tracked for the survey. Looking at the whole United States or even global population might show an even greater significantly affected group.

It is almost expected that most children, especially boys, will have some symptoms associated with ADHD, such as concentration and distraction problems, fidgeting, excessive talking and generally acting hyper.

However, ADHD is when all those symptoms are more severe and cause a disruption in the life of the person affected. The symptoms must also be present for at least six months and they must occur in at least two environments, like home and school or work, according to EmpowHER’s encyclopedia entry.

The fact that the survey was conducted from 2001 to 2004 suggests that the current population might have even more problems. The discussion of mental disorders has become less taboo and more people are generally willing to admit they have a mental disorder or just know enough about them to know they have one now, so it is not far off to say that following studies will probably show an even greater increase in mental disorders like ADHD.

ADHD was not the only prevalent mental disorder. Depression was the next most common disorder at 3.7 percent. Five other mental disorders were tracked, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, eating disorders, depression and conduct disorder.

Another aspect of the survey explored the rate at which children and adolescents seek professional help for mental disorders. Surprisingly, 55 percent overall who had a disorder found professional help, or at least discussed their issue with a professional. Specific groups found help at a lesser rate though, such as those with anxiety disorders, African Americans and Mexican Americans.

Some groups of people were more likely to have mental disorders overall or even specific types. For example, ADHD and any mental disorders were more common among those with a lower socioeconomic status and anxiety disorder was more common among those with a higher socioeconomic status.

Overall, this survey provides much needed information for mental health professionals and shows the necessity for specific professionals for children and awareness in general.

Sources: https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-and-attention-deficit-disorder#symptoms

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2009/national-survey-tracks-rates-of-common-mental-disorders-among-american-youth.shtml

Add a Comment3 Comments

EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I really appreciate your post and you explain each and every point very well.Thanks for sharing this information.And I’ll love to read your next post too.

Disability Products

March 17, 2011 - 6:46am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

AND they are targeting children. SICK.

January 28, 2010 - 12:39pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

What a sick report by the NIMH. ADHD itself is a symptom - there is no scientific data to back up the viewpoint of ADHD as a "disease".

Take a deeper look, and realize that this "report" by the NIMH has an ulterior motive. To get a large portion of humanity on expensive, profitable, psychiatric drugs.

January 28, 2010 - 12:38pm
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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