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According to a study, diagnoses of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) continue to escalate among U.S. children, affecting approximately one in nine.

The research, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), analyzed data from the 2022 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), encompassing children aged 3 to 17 years old. Findings revealed that about 11.4% of U.S. children, equivalent to 7.1 million individuals, have received an ADHD diagnosis at some point, with 10.5% (6.5 million) currently living with the disorder.

The study published in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, underscores the gravity of pediatric ADHD as a persistent public health concern, with researchers noting an increase of approximately one million children diagnosed with ADHD between 2016 and 2022.

Among children currently diagnosed with ADHD, over 58% exhibit moderate to severe symptoms, while nearly 78% present with at least one additional disorder. Treatment approaches vary, with approximately half of the children receiving medication and 45% undergoing behavioral therapy within the past year. However, over 30% have not received any treatment for their condition.

Experts suggest various societal factors contribute to the escalating ADHD diagnoses, including heightened awareness of mental health issues and the disruptive impact of the pandemic on children's routines and social interactions.

"The prevalence of diagnosed ADHD varies by sociodemographic factors," the researchers noted, FOX News reported.

"It is more common in boys, children living in lower-income households, children with public health insurance and children living in rural areas."

Dr. Tasha M. Brown, a child psychologist from New York who was not involved in the study, wasn't surprised by the study's findings. She explained that more people are talking about mental health and recognizing ADHD symptoms, leading parents to seek help earlier. Additionally, factors like the pandemic have impacted children's mental health, resulting in more cases of hyperactivity, attention issues, and impulsivity.

Lisa Sheinhouse, who works as the director of community programs at Ohel Children's Home and Family Services in New York, also acknowledged the increased awareness and education about neurodivergent disorders such as ADHD and autism.

"Our society has learned to let go of the shame and stigma around these diagnoses, and that's empowered parents to become more informed and ask for help," Sheinhouse, who was also not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

While medication remains an option for managing ADHD symptoms, experts stressed the importance of holistic treatment approaches, including therapy and behavioral interventions, to enhance children's functioning and well-being.