Wellness Exchange: Health Discussions
Surge in ADHD Diagnoses: 8 Surprising Reasons Why
[MUSIC] Welcome to Quick News. This is Ted. The news was published on Friday, November 8. Today we are discussing the rise in ADHD diagnoses and understanding every aspect. Let's start with the latest statistics and key reasons behind this trend. Eric, can you tell us why ADHD diagnoses have risen so significantly over the past few years? Sure, the fact that 10.5% of boys and 6% of girls in Sweden were diagnosed in 2022, speaks volumes. One reason is the increased awareness and knowledge among professionals. >> Well, it's not just awareness, it's also about reduced stigma. People are more open to getting an ADHD diagnosis now. >> But that doesn't explain a 50% increase in just three years. It's not all good. Over-diagnosis is an issue because of overlapping- >> And that overlapping is crucial. Multiple diagnoses are now being accepted. Earlier, diagnosis was too restricted. >> Eric, can you explain how modern society's higher cognitive demands might be contributing? >> Modern society demands high attention control. Kids struggling now were perhaps fine decades ago without these strict societal expectations. >> Higher expectations on performance is another factor. We're constantly under pressure to- >> I'd argue it's the policies. Politicians have made diagnosis assessments more accessible, which artificially explains- >> School environment changes. >> Like more self-guided education also plays significant role. >> What about the need for diagnosis to access support and resources? >> A diagnosis often guarantees support and resources. Without it, people can't get the help they truly need. >> Let's compare this phenomenon with a historical event where diagnostic rates surged. Eric, can you start? >> Sure, the rise in autism diagnoses around the early 2000s is a good parallel. Similar dynamics were at play, increased awareness and changes in diagnostic criteria. >> Remember, autism diagnostic rise was also due to reduced stigma. Society's acceptance played a huge- >> And like ADHD now, modern educational expectations clashed with autism traits leading to higher- >> The push from policymakers at that time to provide more diagnostic tools, much like ADHD. >> How do the changes in education systems intersect with these historical trends, Eric? >> In both cases, school shifted to digital self-guided learning environments that stress kids who can't naturally adapt. >> Yes, and the shift made schools more likely to refer students for assessments, mirroring- >> Kate, what about society's expectations? How did they compare then and now? >> Back then, society started demanding more from children academically and socially. Today, it's even more intense impacting ADHD diagnoses. >> Yet, the issue remains policymakers focus on diagnosis rather than preventive strategies or alternatives to the age. >> We see a continued reliance on clinical diagnoses to unlock support, without which families struggle to access necessaries- >> What lessons can we learn from the autism diagnostic rise to address ADHD diagnosis rates, Eric? >> We need a balanced approach, increase awareness but also robustly assess the root causes and societal impacts. >> And ensure resources are accessible even without a formal diagnosis, reducing pressure on- >> Looking forward, how do you both see the situation evolving? Eric, start with the first possible future scenario. >> If we continue as we are, ADHD diagnosis rates could plateau around 15% for boys and 11% for girls as predicted. >> That's not necessarily negative. With better diagnosis rates, we can help more people earlier on. >> But we risk pathologizing normal variations in behavior. Kids with slight attention issues might get unnecessary diagnosis. >> Without diagnosis, many won't get the help they need. Broadening diagnostic criteria helps- >> Kate, what is an alternative scenario? >> We could see a shift towards a more holistic approach in education and societal settings. Reducing reliance on clinical diagnoses for support. >> That would require massive policy changes and resetting societal expectations- >> Eric, what would need to happen for this holistic shift to be successful? >> Comprehensive training for teachers, changes in school curricula, and more community-based support programs. >> And we need societal acceptance that not every deviation from normal requires a diagnosis. >> More focus on neurodivergence accommodation. >> Kate, what societal changes are necessary? >> Increased compassion, flexibility in education systems, and better mental health support without the need for a formal diagnosis. >> Balancing diagnosis to provide necessary support without over-diagnosis- >> If society adapts to individual needs better, we might see a natural drop in the rush for diagnosis. >> Well, that was quite an engaging discussion. Thank you, Eric and Kate, for sharing your views. That's all for today on Quick News. Tune in next time for more insightful talks.