Why American Children Have a High ADHD Diagnoses

In the U.S. at least 9% of students are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But in other countries that number is significantly lower. In France, less than 1% of students are diagnosed with ADHD.

"There are many students in Harrison County schools that have ADHD," said Vic Fisher, Supervisor of Pupil Services.

"On average we do fill a lot of medications for ADHD," said T.J. Ravis, Best Care Pharmacist in Lewis County.

There are a lot of children who have this disorder. The two main symptoms are the inability to pay attention and hyperactivity, like not being able to sit still.

"Typically you're going to see symptoms before age 7 in a child and typically you're going to see symptoms in more than one setting," said Ravis.

After symptoms are seen, it's time to go to a doctor. But how are children tested?

"The diagnosis is really based on behavior in this country," said Dr. Bob Williams, Director of Behavioral Services at United Hospital Center and Executive Director at United Summit Center.

"There is no medical test for ADHD. Therefore it's a subjective evaluation from who ever is considering the diagnosis. Therefore it being a judgment decision there is room for error including some students who are or including some student who really aren't," said Fisher.

So what's the difference between here in the U.S. and outside of the country?

"The Americans see the disorder as more about chemical imbalance and the French see it more as a behavioral imbalance. A quick fix medication for a family issue or of a child acting out is the first solution that we really go toward rather than taking time to properly diagnosis the situation and intervene with individual family therapy," said Dr. Williams.

Fisher said about a decade ago those number increased heavily in Harrison County, but in the past few years it's hit a plateau. And Dr. Williams thinks we're headed into the right direction.

"Mental health in this country, particularly in our area, is beginning to lean more toward the combination of therapy for the child as well as for the family in addition to medications where it's warranted," said Dr. Williams.

Doctors said the main issue with misdiagnosing children is giving medicine to kids who may not need and causing side effects.