Why Are ADHD Rates So Much Higher in the U.S.?
gizmodo.comPublished: 5/10/2025
Summary
ADHD's prevalence varies significantly across regions, influenced by multiple factors such as enhanced healthcare screening and varying diagnostic criteria in the U.S., which contribute to higher rates in states like California compared to rural areas. Cultural perceptions of symptoms also play a role, alongside environmental factors like diet, exercise, and exposure to harmful substances that are more prevalent here than elsewhere. This variation is not just genetic but a complex interplay of societal, cultural, and environmental elements.