ADHD rates on rise

California’s children are increasingly diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a report finds.

The report, compiled by researchers at the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Medical Group, found that the rate of children in California diagnosed with ADHD has increased by 24 percent since 2001, according to USA Today. Researchers noted that on average, children were diagnosed between the ages of 8 1/2 and 9 1/2 years old; white children were more likely to be diagnosed than black, Hispanic or Asian children; and boys were three times more likely to be diagnosed than girls.

Lead author Darios Getahun said the results suggest a growing awareness of ADHD among physicians and parents.