ADHD Often Misdiagnosed in Kids Young for Their Grade

The Journal of Health Economics recently released a study which finds that as many as one million children are incorrectly diagnosed with ADHD, NPR reported.

How could so many misdiagnoses occur? The study indicated it has to do with the age of the child and the grade they're in. A separate study led by Michigan State University concluded that kindergartners on the young side of their class are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than the older kids. This means that younger kids may seem hyperactive and less able to pay attention -- but only in comparison to their mature peers. Todd Elder, lead author of the Michigan study, said in the NPR article that kids should be diagnosed for ADHD "according to their age and not their grade.”

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