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Societal Disruptions and Childhood ADHD Diagnosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Seth Freedman
  • Kelli Marquardt
  • Dario Salcedo
  • Kosali Simon
  • Coady Wing

Abstract

We study how the societal disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted diagnosis of a prevalent childhood mental health condition, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using both nationwide private health insurance claims and a single state’s comprehensive electronic health records, we compare children exposed to the pandemic to same-aged children prior to the pandemic. We find the pandemic reduced new ADHD diagnoses by 8.6 percent among boys and 11.0 percent among girls nationwide through February 2021. We further show that higher levels of in-person schooling in fall 2020 dampened the decline for girls but had no moderating effect for boys.

Suggested Citation

  • Seth Freedman & Kelli Marquardt & Dario Salcedo & Kosali Simon & Coady Wing, 2024. "Societal Disruptions and Childhood ADHD Diagnosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 59(S), pages 187-226.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:59:y:2024:i:s:p:s187-s226
    Note: DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.1222-12708R2
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    File URL: http://jhr.uwpress.org/cgi/reprint/59/S/S187
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Benjamin Hansen & Joseph J. Sabia & Jessamyn Schaller, 2024. "In-Person Schooling and Youth Suicide: Evidence from School Calendars and Pandemic School Closures," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 59(S), pages 227-255.
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    Cited by:

    1. Janet Currie, 2024. "The Economics of Child Mental Health: Introducing the Causes and Consequences of Child Mental Health Special Issue," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 59(S), pages 1-13.
    2. Levere, Michael & Hemmeter, Jeffrey & Wittenburg, David, 2024. "The importance of schools in driving children’s applications for disability benefits," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 239(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General

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