Incidence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Diagnoses in Navarre (Spain) from 2003 to 2019

Quantifying Potential Bias Resulting From Child Age on Screening for Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentations of ADHD

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to quantify the potential age bias in screening of hyperactive/impulsive presentations of ADHD in children ages 5 to 12 through comparison of age-based and overall percentiles in screening.

METHOD

A referred clinical sample of 307 children ages 5 to 12 with behavioral concerns completed the Vanderbilt Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS) and were formally evaluated for ADHD with a diagnostic interview. Analysis utilizing logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was performed to compare the screening performance of agebased and overall percentiles.

RESULTS

The age-based percentiles demonstrated no improvement in the analyzed models compared to overall percentiles in hyperactive presentation ADHD screening. This finding was present in the overall sample and in the sub analysis of the 5 to 6 year old children.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identifies no improvement in modeling of hyperactive/impulsive ADHD screening when considering a child's age using age-based percentiles.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among American Youth: A Comprehensive 20-Year Analysis of National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Data

BACKGROUND

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that has a significant impact on the lives of children and adolescents. This study conducts a comprehensive 20-year analysis of data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) to investigate the prevalence of ADHD among American youth, as well as its demographic patterns and socioeconomic determinants.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of NCHS data spanning from 1997 to 2018 was carried out. The dataset included information on ADHD diagnoses, demographic characteristics (such as age, gender, and race/ethnicity), socioeconomic indicators (including poverty level and health insurance status), and temporal variables. A range of statistical analyses were performed, encompassing temporal trend analysis, demographic assessments, and socioeconomic examinations.

RESULTS

It was consistently observed that boys had a higher prevalence of ADHD (12.93% compared to 5.61%), aligning with established trends. Among adolescents aged 10-17, the prevalence was the highest at 11.09%, while for the 5-9 age group, it stood at 6.57%. In terms of racial and ethnic groups, individuals identifying as two or more races exhibited the highest prevalence at 12.36%, followed by white (9.83%), black or African American (10.09%), Hispanic or Latino (5.36%), and non-Hispanic or Latino (10.64%). Socioeconomic disparities were evident, with a prevalence of 11.41% among those living below the poverty line, compared to 10.6% (100%-199% of the poverty line), 8.6% (200%-399%), and 8.39% (400% or more). Medicaid beneficiaries had the highest prevalence at 12.57%, followed by those with private insurance (9.65%), insured (8.11%), and uninsured (5.83%).

CONCLUSION

These findings underscore the intricate relationship between ADHD prevalence and demographic and socioeconomic factors. It is imperative to address these disparities to ensure equitable assessment and intervention for ADHD, taking into account cultural influences, determinants of health tied to socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare for all children. This analysis by the NCHS provides essential insights into ADHD among American youth, emphasizing the necessity for tailored interventions, equitable healthcare access, and further research to comprehensively address this complex neurodevelopmental disorder.