CDC data: more US children diagnosed with ADHD (9.9% to 13.8%, 2019–2025)
Elgaddal N (NCHS), 2026, MMWR QuickStats 75(42) · doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7542a2
Cross-sectional national household survey (NHIS), ages 5–17; sample size not given in coverage
Summary: This is one of the most common questions families ask. Using national interview data, CDC estimates that the share of children aged 5–17 who had ever been diagnosed with ADHD rose from 9.9% in 2019 to 13.8% in 2025. That is a jump of about 39% in relative terms. Diagnoses rose in both boys and girls, and boys remained more likely to be diagnosed. The report is a short data snapshot: it doesn’t look at causes, and it can’t separate a true rise from better recognition or broader diagnostic practice. Its figures also can’t be compared directly with other national surveys such as the NSCH. It is short and descriptive, best used as context rather than as a stand-alone feature.
Takeaways for clinicians:
It gives current national context for rising referral volume. It says nothing about diagnostic accuracy.
These estimates can’t be compared directly with the National Survey of Children’s Health, because the age ranges and survey methods differ.
Takeaways for families:
More children are being diagnosed. This data can’t tell us whether more children have ADHD or whether more are being recognized.
Boys are still diagnosed more often than girls, but diagnoses rose for both.
Possible reasons, such as the pandemic, weren’t tested in this data.
