ADHD Is Missouri's Most-Googled Health Condition

MISSOURI — So far in 2018, the most-Googled health condition for Missouri residents was attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to a report from Medicare Health Plans. The study, released late last month, shows the most-searched ailment by state. Nationwide, the most-searched condition was also ADHD, which was the most-Googled health concern in eight states in addition to Missouri.

While ADHD is one of the most researched disorders in children's health, the cause is still unknown, doctors say. Some evidence suggests the disease is genetic and tied to low levels of dopamine in the brain, according to the St. Louis Children's Hospital.

About 2 million children have the disorder, and symptoms include short attention span, difficulty listening to others, forgetfulness, poor organization skills, impulsivity, risk-taking, excessive fidgeting and talking, and the inability to sit still or engage in quiet activities.

Boys are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls.

Behind ADHD, syphilis and HIV/AIDS were the second- and third-most searched issues nationwide, respectively, according to the Medicate Health Plans study. The study also found that some searches were based on statewide trends:

• Nevada’s most googled medical condition was skin cancer, which makes sense given the scorching summers that residents of the state face every year.
• Iowans searched for “binge drinking,” and it just so happens that the state holds the fourth highest position in the US for chronic drinking problems.
• Louisiana and DC both searched for HIV/AIDS for the second year in a row. These states are also included among the states with the highest rate of reported HIV cases in the US, according to the CDC.
• Kentucky searched for Hepatitis A, likely because the state experienced a large outbreak recently.

Read the full study to see what the top search was in each state.

Image via Shutterstock