Out of Sight, Out of Mind Why being the youngest kids with ADHD in class doesn’t make the diagnosis fade away

Young Children With ADHD in Class Are No Less Likely to Outgrow Diagnosis

The Age-Old Question: Do Youngest Kids in Class Retain ADHD Diagnosis?

By Cara Murez, HealthDay Reporter

Experts have long pondered whether the youngest children in a class, who tend to be more immature, would hold on to their diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A new study suggests that age doesn’t seem to make a difference in this case.

“We know the youngest children in their year group are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD – but many believe this is because they lag behind their older classmates,” explained Dr. Samuele Cortese, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom.

However, until now, no one has explored whether these younger children diagnosed with ADHD retain the diagnosis later on. The good news is, according to Cortese, “Our study shows for the first time that these youngsters are no more likely to lose the diagnosis over time than older children.”

With over 360 million people worldwide diagnosed with ADHD, and about one-third of them being children and adolescents, this study sheds light on an important issue affecting millions around the globe. Symptoms of ADHD include impulsiveness, disorganization, poor time management skills, difficulty focusing, and restlessness.

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The study, led by researchers from the University of Southampton and Paris Nanterre University, involved 161 scientists from various parts of the world. Over 6,500 patients with ADHD were followed from the ages of 4 to 33, providing a comprehensive dataset for analysis.

The findings, published in the journal Lancet Psychiatry, show that the diagnosis of ADHD in children with a young relative age is not particularly unstable, as noted by first author Corentin Gosling. However, it remains unclear whether this diagnosis is appropriate or influenced by external factors once a child receives the ADHD label.

Gosling emphasized the need for future studies to explore this question and determine the accuracy of the diagnosis.

More information

For more information on ADHD, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SOURCES: University of Southampton, news release, Oct. 26, 2023

QUESTION

The abbreviated term ADHD denotes the condition commonly known as:
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Are Youngest Kids with ADHD Doomed? The Truth Unveiled!

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been a point of concern for experts, especially when it comes to the youngest children in a class. There’s always been a burning question: would their ADHD diagnosis fade away like a toddler’s tantrum? Well, fear not, because a recent study has straightened things out!

Now, imagine a classroom full of kids. Amongst these lively munchkins, the youngest ones are often the most immature. But does their tender age really determine the fate of their ADHD diagnosis? According to Dr. Samuele Cortese, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the University of Southampton, age doesn’t seem to be the deciding factor!

You see, there’s a common belief that the youngest kids in a class are diagnosed with ADHD because they lag behind their older classmates. However, thanks to this groundbreaking study, we now know that these little rascals are just as likely to retain their ADHD diagnosis over time as their older counterparts.

Hold your horses, there’s more to this story! According to the World Health Organization, a staggering 360 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with ADHD. That’s like trying to fit the entire population of the United States into a classroom! Approximately one-third of these diagnoses are children and adolescents. Now that’s a lot of fidgety youngsters!

For those unfamiliar with ADHD, it’s like having a whirlwind in your brain. Imagine being impulsive, disorganized, and restless, all while juggling poorly managed time and struggling to focus. It’s like trying to tame a wild stallion while standing on one leg – nearly impossible!

But let’s get back to the study. Led by researchers from the University of Southampton and Paris Nanterre University, this scientific endeavor brought together 161 brilliant minds from all corners of the globe. They examined data from more than 6,500 patients with ADHD, tracking their journey from the tender age of 4 to the complex age of 33. It’s like following a school of fish swimming through the ocean of academia!

The study’s findings, published in the prestigious journal Lancet Psychiatry, revealed that the diagnosis of ADHD in children with a young relative age is as stable as a balanced yoga pose. But here’s the twist: it’s unclear whether this diagnosis is the real deal or if external factors, like parents and teachers, influence it once the ADHD label is slapped on a child.

To solve this ADHD mystery, future studies will need to dig deeper and unravel the truth behind the diagnosis. But for now, parents and educators can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that a child’s age doesn’t determine the longevity of their ADHD diagnosis.

If you’re hungry for more information on ADHD, hop on over to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They’re armed with knowledge and ready to help!