How common is ADD and ADHD in children?

How common is ADD and ADHD in children?

Charles Sophy (Private Practice in Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) gives expert video advice on: What are the warning signs that my child might have ADD or ADHD?; What is the treatment and prognosis for a child with ADD or ADHD? and more...

The disruptive behavior disorders of ADHD and ADD are probably somewhere in the range of ten to fifteen percent of the population. In children, it's probably about five percent that actually have the diagnosable criteria. You will see children who are hyperactive and you will see children who have difficulties in concentrating or focusing, but in general, they don't meet the full criteria. Subtleties and changes in the way that they learn, or their situations will adhere to them and they won't necessarily meet the criteria and need treatment. The other five percent will meet the criteria and need the treatment, and then do well.