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At least 1.5 million minors in Mexico live with ADHD, a specialist warns
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Health & Science

At least 1.5 million minors in Mexico live with ADHD, a specialist warns

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • An estimated 1.5 million children and adolescents in Mexico live with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), according to a specialist.
  • ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can persist into adulthood and significantly impacts academic, professional, social, and family life.
  • Many individuals are diagnosed late, leading to increased emotional and social difficulties, as diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation rather than a simple test.

At least 1.5 million children and adolescents in Mexico are living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition that often persists into adulthood and remains significantly underdiagnosed, a leading specialist warned. Edilberto Peña de León, a psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist, highlighted that less than 0.5% of adults receive pharmacological treatment, despite an estimated prevalence of 2.5% to 4% in the general population.

It is not a school condition, it is a life condition and it affects its quality.

— Edilberto Peña de LeónExplaining the pervasive impact of ADHD on individuals' lives.

Peña de León emphasized that ADHD is not solely a childhood or school-related issue but a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder affecting academic, work, social, and family performance. Many individuals seek help years after experiencing academic struggles, professional setbacks, or relationship conflicts, often without a prior diagnosis that could explain their symptoms.

He cited a study of 1,837 Mexican university students, which found a 16.2% prevalence of ADHD, indicating that many reach higher education undiagnosed. A major challenge in diagnosing ADHD is the absence of a definitive laboratory test or biological marker, making clinical assessment by experts crucial. "There is no single cause or laboratory test; we need to approach experts," Peña de León stated.

There is no single cause or laboratory test; we need to approach experts.

— Edilberto Peña de LeónStressing the importance of clinical evaluation for ADHD diagnosis.

The evaluation involves assessing persistent symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, as well as difficulties in organizing tasks, and their impact on various life areas. Late diagnosis often exacerbates emotional and social challenges, leading to accumulated academic failures, low self-esteem, and adaptation problems. The specialist noted that evaluations can begin as early as age five and should be conducted by professionals experienced in ADHD, such as psychiatrists or neurologists. Treatment is individualized and may include psychoeducational interventions, psychological support, and medication when indicated.

Late diagnosis will bring us more problematized patients.

— Edilberto Peña de LeónDescribing the consequences of delayed ADHD diagnosis.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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