ADHD or Simply Younger Than One's Classmates?

A population-level study that accounted for comorbid conduct, oppositional defiant, and learning disorders finds more frequent diagnoses among the youngest classmates until age 10.

According to some research, the youngest classmates are more likely to receive diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To determine whether this is due to comorbidity or whether an upper age limit exists, investigators examined Finnish registry data to examine the relative ages of schoolchildren with and without ADHD. The 6136 children with ADHD but no intellectual disability were ages 7 to 15 years (born 1991–2004).

In Finland, medical care is free, and the ADHD prescription rate is low (0.64%). Children start school (in August) if they turn 7 during the calendar year; children born in September to December are the youngest (and still age 6 when they enroll).

Analyses included children diagnosed with ADHD at age 7 or ol…

Reviewing Author

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

ADHD or Simply Younger Than One's Classmates?

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Reviewing Author