Disparities in the prevalence of ADHD diagnoses, suspicion, and medication use between Flanders and Québec from the lens of the medicalization process

The prevalence of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnoses and medication use has increased over time around the world, but significant regional differences remain. This paper aims to determine explain disparities in ADHD among school-aged children two distinct school systems, Flanders (Belgium) Québec (Canada). We present detailed descriptive comparative analyses data from 35 schools, 114 teachers, 1046 parents (children) that were collected as part a international project. concern teacher parent suspicions, teachers’ ratings ADHD-related behaviors children, views use, beliefs about ADHD. results show that, compared with Flanders, had significantly more diagnosed frequent suspicions by teachers parents. refer conceptual, institutional, interactional levels medicalization interpret our findings conclude social cultural readings children’s differ greatly between regions. Medicalization is common than Flanders.