Final Draft Commentary Assignment
Abigail R. Thompson
College of Behavioral Health Science, Grand Canyon
University ENG-105-O507
Jim Higuera
1st October
, Introduction
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that
has garnered significant attention in recent years due to the escalating prevalence of diagnoses.
This commentary aims to delve into the underlying trends contributing to the surge in ADHD
diagnoses, explore the potential overdiagnosis of the disorder, and elucidate the consequences for
individuals and society at large. By examining the multifaceted nature of ADHD diagnosis, we
can gain valuable insights into the challenges it poses and the opportunities it presents for
improving our approach to this complex issue.
I. The Escalating Rates of ADHD Diagnoses
ADHD diagnoses have witnessed a remarkable upswing in recent times, not only in the
United States but also across the globe. 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 trajectory is not limited to the U.S. alone;
similar trends are observed in many other countries as well (Sayal et al., 2018).
Several key factors contribute to the burgeoning number of ADHD diagnoses:
1. Enhanced Awareness and Knowledge: The heightened awareness of
ADHD among parents, educators, and healthcare professionals has led to more individuals
seeking
assessments and diagnoses. Educational campaigns and public awareness initiatives have played
a pivotal role in making people more cognizant 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
Abigail R. Thompson
College of Behavioral Health Science, Grand Canyon
University ENG-105-O507
Jim Higuera
1st October
, Introduction
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that
has garnered significant attention in recent years due to the escalating prevalence of diagnoses.
This commentary aims to delve into the underlying trends contributing to the surge in ADHD
diagnoses, explore the potential overdiagnosis of the disorder, and elucidate the consequences for
individuals and society at large. By examining the multifaceted nature of ADHD diagnosis, we
can gain valuable insights into the challenges it poses and the opportunities it presents for
improving our approach to this complex issue.
I. The Escalating Rates of ADHD Diagnoses
ADHD diagnoses have witnessed a remarkable upswing in recent times, not only in the
United States but also across the globe. 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 trajectory is not limited to the U.S. alone;
similar trends are observed in many other countries as well (Sayal et al., 2018).
Several key factors contribute to the burgeoning number of ADHD diagnoses:
1. Enhanced Awareness and Knowledge: The heightened awareness of
ADHD among parents, educators, and healthcare professionals has led to more individuals
seeking
assessments and diagnoses. Educational campaigns and public awareness initiatives have played
a pivotal role in making people more cognizant 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
