One out of every 10 U.S. kids supposedly has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but one study suggests the disease isn't spreading — the diagnosis is.
The Austrailian researchers behind the new study believe the majority of kids diagnosed with ADHD only have a "mild or moderate form," which leads to the kids receiving unnecessary treatment. (Via British Medical Journal)
People with ADHD generally have problems paying attention or concentrating. Many times they can't follow directions and are easily bored or frustrated by tasks. (Via CBS)
In fact, there is no concrete defintion for mild ADHD in the UK, Australia and U.S. versions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. (Via YouTube / BBKWorldwide)
The study's authors point to the extreme rise in ADHD prescriptions across the world, noting in Australia, ADHD prescriptions rose by 73 percent between 2000 to 2011, and during the same period in the Netherlands, the prescriptions doubled. (Via National Health Service)
Drugs that are used to treat ADHD, such as Ritalin, are only meant for severe cases. But according to this study, 87 percent of children diagnosed with the disease get medication. (Via AnswersTV)
The National Health Service pays around $128 million per year toward the treatment of ADHD. An estimated 5 percent of children are affected by the disease.
