Perspectives on ADHD in Children and Adolescents As a Social Construct Amidst Rising Prevalence of Diagnosis and Medication Use

Overview

Journal Front Psychiatry

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2024 Jan 22

PMID 38250274

Authors

Tobias Banaschewski

Alexander Hage

Sarah Hohmann

Konstantin Mechler

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is based on the presence of pervasive, persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity typically emerging early in life and resulting in significant functional impairment. In contrast to a worldwide epidemiological prevalence of approximately 5% in children and 2-3% in adults, there are significant variations in the prevalence of administrative ADHD diagnoses and medication use. We assert that in order to explore the underlying dynamics of this phenomenon, a thorough understanding of the construct ADHD is necessary. We contend that ADHD is not a natural entity that unfolds within an individual and can be understood independent from societal and environmental factors, but rather that ADHD as a diagnosis can better be conceptualized as a valid and pragmatically useful social construct. Decisions to diagnose and treat ADHD should follow a person-centered approach and be focused on functional impairment within a socially constructed, context-dependent and environmentally contingent model.

Citing Articles

The Chinese Version of the Compensatory ADHD Behaviors Scale (CABS): A Study on Reliability, Validity, and Clinical Utility.

Zhang S, Chen C, Zhou Y, Pan M, Li H, Zhao M Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2024; 20:1025-1040.

PMID: 38764747 PMC: 11102070. DOI: 10.2147/NDT.S463974.

Commentary: Perspectives on ADHD in children and adolescents as a social construct amidst rising prevalence of diagnosis and medication use.

Dekkers T Front Psychiatry. 2024; 15:1383492.

PMID: 38590790 PMC: 10999669. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1383492.

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