Surprising Science — April 6, 2010

Concentration Nation

About 4.4% of American adults are believed to have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and more and more of them are being diagnosed and treated with medication.

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“Restlessness, impatience, impulsivity, procrastination, chronic lateness, and difficulty getting organized, focusing and finishing tasks.” About 4.4% of American adults are believed to have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and more and more of them are being diagnosed and treated with medication. Melinda Beck looks at why this is happening now and what separates diagnosable ADHD from the normal day-to-day existence of an overworked, overcaffeinated American adult.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

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