Cohort Change in the Prevalence of ADHD among U.S. Adults Evidence of a Gender-Specific Historical Period Effect

Cohort Change in the Prevalence of ADHD among U.S. Adults Evidence of a Gender-Specific Historical Period Effect

London AS, Landes SD.

J Atten Disord. 2019 Jun 13:1087054719855689.

doi: 10.1177/1087054719855689.

Commentary* by Dr. Margaret Weiss: This suggests that part of the increase in prevalence of ADHD in adults is driven by better recognition of ADHD in women.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To document inter- and intra-cohort changes in adult ADHD and examine whether changes vary by gender.

Method: We analyze data from the 2007 and 2012 U.S. National Health Interview Survey.

Results: The prevalence of ADHD among adults aged 18 to 64 years increased from 3.41% in 2007 to 4.25% in 2012. As expected, patterns of inter- and intra-cohort change varied by gender. At younger ages, inter-cohort gender differences are more distinct due to a spike in prevalence among boys/men born in or after 1980. Consistent with a gender-specific historical period effect, recent intra-cohort increases among women have narrowed the gender gap.

Conclusion: The gender gap in the prevalence of ADHD among adults decreased by 31.1% from 2007 to 2012 due to increased prevalence among adult women of all ages. We discuss these results in relation to diagnostic practice, adult health and well-being, data limitations and needs, and directions for future research.

* Les résumés scientifiques (abstracts) sont sélectionnés pour leur pertinence clinique par Dre. Margaret Weiss, Directrice de la recherche clinique, pédopsychiatrie, Cambridge Health Alliance, Université Harvard. Ses commentaires reflètent sa propre opinion. Ils ne sont ni approuvés par la CADDRA, ni nécessairement représentatifs de celle-ci.