ADHD Rises By Almost 25 Percent In Decade, Study Says - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

In the last 10 years, the number of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder cases has risen by 25 percent, according to a new study out of California.

What is causing this spike, and can anything be done to slow it down?

The University of Pennsylvania's Dr. Mike Cirigliano joined "Good Day" on Tuesday morning with more on that.

Asked whether the numbers are going up or if we are we just more aware and diagnosing more cases, Dr. Mike said the experts seem to think that it is due to more awareness.

"That's what we think. But it is frightening the fact that this study looked at over 800,000 children between the ages of 5 and 11, and in 10 years the numbers went up by 25 percent," he said.

How is it manifesting itself? Usually it's kids that either have some inability to concentrate or they aren't doing well in school, and teachers and parents and doctors are picking up on this, Dr. Mike said.

"We've talked about this over the years, that the numbers of kids that are on medications for this is staggering. And some kids really need it. My fear that is some kids get medicated when maybe behavioral therapy might help. But the key is to have a relationship with your health care provider so that you can get the proper treatment," Dr. Mike said.