1
First Draft Commentary Assignment
Abigail R. Thompson
College of Behavioral Health Science, Grand Canyon
University ENG-105-O507
Jim Higuera
24th September
, 2
Introduction
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has
gained significant attention due to the increasing prevalence of diagnoses. This commentary
explores the trends and factors contributing to the rise in ADHD diagnoses, discusses the
potential overdiagnosis of the disorder, and explores the consequences for individuals and
society. By analyzing the multifaceted nature of ADHD diagnosis, we can better understand the
challenges and opportunities it presents.
I. The Escalating Rates of ADHD Diagnoses
ADHD diagnoses have experienced a substantial upswing in recent years, both in the United
States and worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in
2016, approximately 6.1 million children in the U.S. had been diagnosed with ADHD (Visser et
al., 2019). This upward trend is not unique to the U.S. but is observed in many other countries as
well (Sayal et al., 2018).
Several factors contribute to the increasing number of ADHD diagnoses:
1. Enhanced Awareness and Knowledge: Increased awareness of ADHD among parents,
teachers, and healthcare professionals has led to more individuals seeking assessments
and diagnoses. Educational campaigns have played a pivotal role in making people
more aware of the disorder's symptoms and potential consequences.
2. Expanding Diagnostic Criteria: Changes in the diagnostic criteria, particularly with
the release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5),
have broadened the scope of ADHD. These changes include the inclusion of
symptoms like
First Draft Commentary Assignment
Abigail R. Thompson
College of Behavioral Health Science, Grand Canyon
University ENG-105-O507
Jim Higuera
24th September
, 2
Introduction
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has
gained significant attention due to the increasing prevalence of diagnoses. This commentary
explores the trends and factors contributing to the rise in ADHD diagnoses, discusses the
potential overdiagnosis of the disorder, and explores the consequences for individuals and
society. By analyzing the multifaceted nature of ADHD diagnosis, we can better understand the
challenges and opportunities it presents.
I. The Escalating Rates of ADHD Diagnoses
ADHD diagnoses have experienced a substantial upswing in recent years, both in the United
States and worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in
2016, approximately 6.1 million children in the U.S. had been diagnosed with ADHD (Visser et
al., 2019). This upward trend is not unique to the U.S. but is observed in many other countries as
well (Sayal et al., 2018).
Several factors contribute to the increasing number of ADHD diagnoses:
1. Enhanced Awareness and Knowledge: Increased awareness of ADHD among parents,
teachers, and healthcare professionals has led to more individuals seeking assessments
and diagnoses. Educational campaigns have played a pivotal role in making people
more aware of the disorder's symptoms and potential consequences.
2. Expanding Diagnostic Criteria: Changes in the diagnostic criteria, particularly with
the release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5),
have broadened the scope of ADHD. These changes include the inclusion of
symptoms like
