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

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Banaschewski, Tobias (Author) , Häge, Alexander (Author) , Hohmann, Sarah (Author) , Mechler, Konstantin (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 05 January 2024
In: Frontiers in psychiatry
Year: 2024, Volume: 14, Pages: 1-5
ISSN:1664-0640
DOI:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1289157
Online Access:Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1289157
Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1289157/full
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Author Notes:Tobias Banaschewski, Alexander Häge, Sarah Hohmann and Konstantin Mechler
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Summary: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.
Item Description:Gesehen am 06.03.2025
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1664-0640
DOI:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1289157

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