Measure EI2: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

It is most informative to focus on ADHD statistics for children 5-17 years old, because it is difficult to diagnose ADHD in younger children. Data from the NHIS indicate that:

• In 2004-2007, 8.1 percent of children ages 5-17 were reported to have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Nine percent of White non-Hispanic children, 8 percent of Black non-Hispanic children, 2 percent of Asian non-Hispanic children, and 5 percent of Hispanic children were reported to have ADHD.
• Almost 12 percent of White non-Hispanic children living in families with incomes below poverty level were reported to have ADHD—the highest of the four specified groups.

Two to three times more boys than girls are diagnosed with ADHD.¹

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1. P. N. Pastor and C.A. Reuben. 2002. Attention-deficit disorder and learning disability: United States, 1997-98. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Statistics 10 (206). http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_10/sr10_206.pdf (PDF) (18 pp, 2.8MB, About PDF).