ADHD in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Arizona: What the CDC Data Shows

Where these numbers come from

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes a page called ADHD Data and Resources for States. It shows estimates for every state and Washington, D.C., drawn from the National Survey of Children's Health, which is run by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

The survey asks parents. A parent reports whether a healthcare provider ever told them their child had ADHD and, if so, whether the child currently has it. So the figures measure parent-reported diagnoses among children aged 3 to 17, not the results of any test given to children.

The state estimates on that page are combined across four survey years, 2020 to 2023. Pooling years gives a steadier picture for smaller states, but it also means the figures describe that period, not this school year.

The figures for our three states

Here is what the CDC state page prints for 2020 to 2023, for children aged 3 to 17 whose parents reported a current ADHD diagnosis, along with the share of those children who had received some ADHD treatment.

• Pennsylvania: current ADHD diagnosis about 9.3%; among children with current ADHD, about 71.8% had received ADHD treatment.
• West Virginia: current ADHD diagnosis about 13.8%; among children with current ADHD, about 72.3% had received ADHD treatment.
• Arizona: current ADHD diagnosis about 8.3%; among children with current ADHD, about 65.3% had received ADHD treatment.

How the states compare with the country

The CDC's national data page says that, across states, the share of children aged 3 to 17 with a current ADHD diagnosis ranged from 6% to 15% over 2020 to 2023. Pennsylvania and Arizona sit below the middle of that range, and West Virginia sits toward the upper end.

For the country as a whole, the same national page reports that an estimated 7 million U.S. children aged 3 to 17, or 11.7%, had a current ADHD diagnosis, based on parent survey data collected in 2024. That national figure is from a different year than the state figures, so it is a reference point rather than a direct comparison.

On treatment, the national page says that receiving any ADHD treatment among children with current ADHD ranged from 58% to 80% across states. In the CDC's definition, treatment means ADHD medication, behavior treatment, or both, as reported by a parent.

What the numbers do not mean

It is tempting to read a state figure as a statement about the children who live there. The CDC is careful here, and it helps to be careful too.

• They are not adult figures. The survey covers children aged 3 to 17. It would be wrong to assume the same share of adults in any state has ADHD.
• They count diagnoses, not ADHD itself. A child who has ADHD but has never been diagnosed would not be counted.
• A higher number is not proof of a real difference. The CDC notes that differences between states may not be statistically significant.
• They do not explain why states differ. The CDC says estimates for diagnosis and treatment can vary due to different factors, and the state page does not say which ones apply.
• They cannot tell you about one person. A population estimate says nothing about whether your child, or you, has ADHD.

What this means if you are wondering about ADHD

If you are a parent reading these figures because of something you have noticed at home or school, the national estimate of about 7 million diagnosed children is a reminder that you are far from alone, and that asking questions is an ordinary, sensible step.

If you are an adult, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says many adults also have ADHD, and that it can be diagnosed at any age, although symptoms must have begun in childhood. A diagnosis comes from a thorough evaluation by a health care provider, because stress, sleep problems, anxiety, depression and other conditions can cause similar symptoms.

So the most useful next step is rarely a statistic. It is a careful look at the person in front of you, with their own history.

How we can help

Locascio Wellness offers an ADHD evaluation for adults and a child ADHD evaluation for younger people. Evaluations are carried out by secure video for people who are physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia or Arizona during appointments, and for anyone under 18 a parent or guardian arranges the evaluation and takes part.

Evaluations are private-pay, a sliding scale is available, and you can read about what evaluations cost. The first step is the short evaluation request form or a free 15-minute consultation on our booking page.

Therapy is a separate option, with or without an evaluation. Therapists on our team offer ADHD therapy and child therapy by video. If you or your child are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.