ADHD Diagnoses Rise Amid Growing Awareness, Study Finds

A recent study led by researchers at King’s College London suggests that the actual prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may not be increasing significantly, despite a notable rise in individuals seeking assessments for the condition. Experts emphasize that the increase in diagnoses in the UK reflects improved awareness and reduced stigma rather than a true surge in cases.

According to NHS England, approximately 2.5 million individuals in England may have ADHD, including an estimated 741,000 children and young adults aged 5 to 24. The demand for ADHD assessments has surged, with over 549,000 people on waiting lists as of March 2025, up from 416,000 the previous year. Researchers attribute this increase to heightened public awareness and a decrease in stigma surrounding mental health issues, alongside potential disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Professor Philip Shaw, director of the King’s Maudsley Partnership for Children and Young People, stated that while the number of diagnosed cases is rising, it likely remains below the actual prevalence of ADHD in the population. He noted, “Our best evidence suggests that the true rate of ADHD probably isn’t increasing that much. However, it’s absolutely clear that there is an increase in the number of people being clinically recognized or diagnosed as having ADHD in the UK.”

Dr. Alex Martin, a lecturer in psychology at KCL, remarked that ADHD prevalence has remained largely stable since 2020. She pointed out that outdated data can mislead healthcare policymakers, leading to services that are already under pressure facing even greater demand without additional support.

The study analyzed over 9,000 research papers, ultimately including 40 from 17 countries in its final review. Researchers found a “chronic under-recognition” of ADHD in certain demographics, particularly among women and girls. This under-recognition has contributed to a recalibration of diagnostic rates over the last decade.

Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke added that the increase in diagnoses may also stem from a cultural shift in the recognition of ADHD, as well as increased willingness to seek help. He stated, “Part of the increase in diagnosis we’ve seen over the last 10 or so years is really a resetting or a recalibration, or a catch-up.”

As the demand for assessments grows, the health service struggles to keep up, resulting in long waiting lists for individuals seeking help. While the reasons behind the rise in assessment requests are multifaceted, societal changes, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the pervasive use of social media, are likely contributing factors.

Professor Shaw explained that the pandemic has disrupted learning skills among children, such as focus and organization, which may have led to increased awareness and willingness to seek help for inattention symptoms. He also noted that the link between social media use and ADHD symptoms needs further exploration, as it remains unclear whether social media is a contributing factor or a response to ADHD-related challenges.

The findings from this research highlight the need for continued awareness and understanding of ADHD, as well as the importance of addressing the backlog in assessments to ensure that those who need help can access appropriate care. Ultimately, while awareness of ADHD is growing, the true rate of the disorder appears stable, necessitating a balanced approach to diagnosis and treatment.