Many parents lament over their children not following
directions, lack of focus or inability to sit still. These
actions are often seen “out of control” and “bad” behavior.
However, it may be a sign of ADHD. According to a recent study
by Getahun and colleagues published in JAMA Pediatrics, ADHD
diagnoses are increasing among youth. What is ADHD? Attention-
deficit/hyperactivity-disorder is the most common child
disorder, which affects about 4.6 million American (eight
percent) school aged children. ADHD is ‘a persistent pattern of
inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity.” These symptoms
should have begun before age seven, must be present for at least
six months and cause problems in everyday functioning in at
least two settings (e.g., school vs. home). A recent study by
Getahun and colleagues found a 70 percent increase in the number
of ADHD diagnoses among African-American children, with a 90
percent increase among African-American girls. This is compared
to smaller increases in other groups — 60 percen