Measuring inappropriate medical diagnosis and treatment in survey data: The case of ADHD among school-age children

▶ Rising rates of ADHD have lead to the concern that ADHD is often misdiagnosed. ▶ We find evidence of medically inappropriate ADHD diagnosis and treatment in school-age children. ▶ Children younger than classroom peers have significantly higher rates of ADHD. ▶ Age relative to peers directly affects a child's probability of being diagnosed with ADHD. ▶ The relative age effect is present for both ADHD diagnosis and treatment with stimulants.