Why Does Everyone Suddenly Have ADHD?

Summary

The video script discusses the significant rise in ADHD diagnoses, particularly among adults, with a 123% increase from 2007 to 2016 and a 30% increase in prescriptions from 2020 to 2022. It highlights concerns over technology startups offering quick diagnoses and the potential over-prescription of ADHD medication. The script also addresses historical biases in ADHD research, focusing on hyperactive boys and overlooking groups like women and ethnic minorities. Changes in diagnostic criteria have improved inclusivity, but the video raises questions about the role of technology in mental health and the need for comprehensive healthcare over tech-driven solutions.

Takeaways

• 📈 Between 2007 and 2016, ADHD rates in adults increased by 123%, and ADHD prescriptions rose by 30% from 2020 to 2022.
• 💊 Multiple countries have reported shortages in ADHD medication, indicating a growing demand.
• 🌐 The internet plays a role in the perception of ADHD, with some content suggesting that viewers might have ADHD.
• 👨‍⚕️ ADHD was first described by Dr. George Still in 1902 and officially defined in the DSM-III in 1987, with subsequent updates changing its understanding.
• 🔄 ADHD is categorized into three subtypes: inattentive, impulsive, and a combination of both.
• 🤔 Having ADHD symptoms does not automatically mean one has ADHD; a medical professional's assessment is necessary.
• 🚫 Tech startups offering online ADHD assessments have faced criticism for overprescribing medication and prioritizing customer retention over health.
• 💼 Cerebral, a tech startup, was sued for allegedly focusing on prescribing stimulants to retain customers and for privacy violations.
• 👩‍⚕️ Historical ADHD research has been biased towards hyperactive boys, leading to an underrepresentation of other groups like women and adults.
• 📚 The DSM-5 updated the age threshold for ADHD symptoms to appear, allowing for more accurate diagnoses, especially in adults.
• 🌐 The internet may exacerbate ADHD symptoms in individuals, but there's little evidence that it directly causes ADHD.

Q & A

What was the increase in ADHD rates among adults between 2007 and 2016?

The ADHD rates among adults increased by 123% between 2007 and 2016.

How much has the rate of ADHD prescriptions increased from 2020 to 2022?

The rate of ADHD prescriptions has gone up by 30% from 2020 to 2022.

What is the role of Dr. George Still in the history of ADHD?

Dr. George Still, a famous pediatrician, described ADHD symptoms in 1902 as a 'morbid defect of moral control', marking an early recognition of ADHD-like symptoms.

What is the DSM and how does it relate to ADHD diagnosis?

The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) is a book used by psychologists and psychiatrists to diagnose mental disorders, including ADHD, which was officially defined in its third version in 1987.

What are the three subtypes of ADHD?

ADHD is divided into three subtypes: the inattentive kind, the impulsive kind, and a combination of both.

What are some symptoms of ADHD?

Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty sustaining attention to tasks, being easily distracted by extraneous stimuli, forgetfulness in daily activities, excessive talking, blurting out answers, and reluctance to engage in tasks requiring sustained mental effort.

Why is online diagnosis of ADHD potentially problematic?

Online diagnosis of ADHD is problematic because it often lacks the comprehensive assessment by a medical professional and can lead to over-prescription and misdiagnosis, as seen with companies like Cerebral.

What concerns have been raised about the practices of some tech startups in ADHD treatment?

Tech startups like Cerebral have been criticized for over-prescribing stimulant medications to retain customers and for selling patient data to advertisers, raising ethical and privacy concerns.

How has the understanding and diagnosis of ADHD changed over the years?

The understanding and diagnosis of ADHD have evolved significantly, with the DSM-5 updating the age threshold for symptom onset to 12 years old, recognizing ADHD in adulthood, and allowing co-occurrence with other conditions like autism.

What is the gender dynamic in ADHD diagnosis?

Women are still less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than men, with a current ratio of 2:1, despite evidence suggesting no significant biological difference predisposing men over women to ADHD.

What is the relationship between the internet and ADHD?

While there is a link between ADHD and internet addiction, it is not causal. The internet can exacerbate symptoms that appear in everyone, but there is little evidence to suggest it directly induces ADHD.