Fewer Minority Children Diagnosed With ADHD

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – There is a disturbing report in the journal Pediatrics which may have an important message about racial disparities in health care.

Compared to white children, African American children were 69% less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, and Hispanics were 50% less likely.

In addition to this, the study found that minorities were less likely than whites to be taking ADHD medications.

From a study standpoint it is important to note that the authors aren’t saying minority children are less likely to have ADHD, they are just less likely to get diagnosed.

Many cases are picked up in school: kids are more likely to have an ADHD diagnosis if they’re male, raised by an older mother, being raised in an english-speaking household, and if they show problem behaviors like arguing with teachers, fighting or disrupting the classroom.