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ADHD is more common than you think

ADHD is actually more common than you might realise.

It was first described about 100 years ago but is no more prevalent now, just better recognised. 


The incidence of ADHD is approximately the same across all countries and races. Globally, ADHD affects 2%-5% of all children. In New Zealand, an estimated 280,000 Kiwis have ADHD.*
For every 20 people in New Zealand, there is one person with ADHD.
ADHD is not sexist
  • Previously, it was thought that males were more likely to have ADHD than females.
  • While more males get a diagnosis it's now believed the gender ratio is 1:1.
  • This is because young females often present with the predominantly inattentive presentation which is less noticeable. So they're more likely to be overlooked.​

ADHD occurs in all ethnic and socioeconomic groups
  • It usually runs in families.
  • Of the teenagers who continue to have ADHD, approximately one in 10 will grow out of it by adulthood.**
  • Approximately 25% of all children with ADHD will have a parent with ADHD.

A lot of parents who have children assessed and diagnosed with ADHD begin to wonder if they are part of the 25% of parents with a child of ADHD who also has it.

So you can grow out of ADHD behaviour/symptoms?
  • This isn't to say that those who grow out of it won't still experience behaviours consistent with ADHD but on reassessment, they would no longer experience them enough to warrant a diagnosis.


​* New Zealand Ministry of Health, 2020
​** Margaret H. Sibley, Ph.D., L. Eugene Arnold, M.D., James M. Swanson, Ph.D., Lily T. Hechtman, M.D., Traci M. Kennedy, Ph.D., Elizabeth Owens, Ph.D., Brooke S.G. Molina, Ph.D., Peter S. Jensen, M.D., Stephen P. Hinshaw, Ph.D., Arunima Roy, Ph.D., Andrea Chronis-Tuscano, Ph.D., Jeffrey H. Newcorn, M.D., Luis A. Rohde, M.D., Ph.D., for the MTA Cooperative Group, Variable Patterns of Remission From ADHD in the Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD, The American Journal of Psychiatry, August 2021
Photo by StockSnap

Why it's good to have ADHD
Why it's good to have ADHD
How to be mindful of your emotions and respond accordingly
How to be mindful of your emotions and respond accordingly
Have you got ADHD?
Have you got ADHD?
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What's ADHD?

Adults with ADHD
​Children and teens with ADHD
​ADHD is more common than you think
Why it's good to have ADHD
​Inspiring stories from people who have ADHD
​
News and research

Have you got ADHD?

Think you're an adult with ADHD?
Think your child has ADHD?
How to get a diagnosis for ADHD

Getting an assessment and diagnosis of ADHD
Self-screening tool for adults with ADHD
Co-morbidities
​
FAQs

Succeed with ADHD

Find healthcare professionals near you
The different types of healthcare professionals
Managing ADHD
Families living with ADHD
​Tips on how to support children with ADHD
ADHD in schools
ADHD in tertiary education organisations
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Tips for adults managing life and ADHD
​ADHD medication
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  • What is ADHD?
    • Adults with ADHD
    • Children and teens with ADHD
    • ADHD is more common than you think
    • Why it's good to have ADHD
    • Inspiring stories from people with ADHD
    • News and Research on ADHD
  • Have you got ADHD?
    • Think you're an adult with ADHD?
    • Think your child has ADHD?
    • How to get a diagnosis for ADHD >
      • Getting an assessment and diagnosis for ADHD
      • Self screening assessment tool for adults who suspect that they have ADHD​
    • Co-Morbidities
    • FAQs
  • Succeed with ADHD
    • Access ADHD Healthcare Professionals >
      • The Different Types of Healthcare Professionals
    • Managing ADHD >
      • Families living with ADHD >
        • Tips on how to support children with ADHD
        • Parent Support is a Phone Call Away
      • ADHD in schools
      • ADHD in tertiary education organisations >
        • FAQs for staff at tertiary education organisations
        • Feedback from staff at tertiary education organisations
      • Tips for adults managing life and ADHD
    • ADHD Medication >
      • ADHD Stimulant Medication
      • ADHD Non-Stimulant Medication
      • ADHD Anti-Depressant Medication
    • ADHD Support Organisations
    • Become a financial member of ADHD NZ >
      • ADHD Wellington
      • Events and promotions
      • Vlogs, blogs and ADHD news
  • About Us
    • ADHD NZ 2021: past, present and future
    • Our People
    • Help Us By Volunteering
    • Contact Us
    • Sponsors
    • ADHD Ambassador