Neurological disorders

Study: ADHD Rates Stable Despite Surge in Diagnosis Requests

Published JUN 6 2025

Story

Above: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders engage in ergotherapy exercises to develop their motor and sensory skills and increase their mental skills at occupational therapy rooms in Ankara, Turkey, on March 10, 2024. Image credit: Betul Abali/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Facts

Research from King's College London, examining 40 studies across 17 countries, found no evidence that cases of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have increased since 2020, despite the growing perception of rising cases and demand for assessments and diagnoses.
The Telegraph
BBC News
This comes as the National Health Service (NHS) England estimates nearly 2.5 million people in England have ADHD, with over 550,000 currently waiting for assessment and 20,000 monthly referrals representing a 13% increase from the previous year.
Pharmaceutical Technology
BBC News
GB News
Lead researcher Dr. Alex Martin attributed the surge in diagnoses to historical under-diagnosis rather than actual increases, stating, "ADHD prevalence in adults and children has remained largely stable since 2020," while noting chronic under-recognition of the condition.
GB News
BBC News
Studies suggesting ADHD rate increases were found to be of low quality, relying on self-reporting surveys or symptom reports from parents and teachers rather than clinical diagnoses, according to researchers who emphasized gaps in reliable prevalence tracking.
King's College London
The Telegraph
Excessive screen time, averaging seven to eight hours daily among children has been linked to vision problems that can mimic ADHD symptoms, with some experts warning that convergence insufficiency, which is an eye coordination condition, is commonly misdiagnosed as attention deficit disorder.
New York Post
Lifehack
The neurodiversity movement and increased media coverage have contributed to greater awareness and reduced stigma around ADHD, with media articles on the topic reportedly increasing from 5,775 in 2014 to 25,080 in the same period last year.
The Telegraph
The i Paper

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

The lack of increase in real ADHD cases aligns with improved diagnostic accuracy, not overdiagnosis. Heightened awareness and refined clinical criteria allow for better identification, especially for milder cases and adults. This ensures those with ADHD receive proper support, reducing misdiagnosis. Continued focus on precise diagnostics and awareness will help more people manage ADHD effectively, without unnecessary labeling or treatment.

Healthline

Narrative B

ADHD is absolutely being overdiagnosed, with soaring rates tied to loosened diagnostic criteria and societal pressures to medicalize behavior. The push to label kids with a disorder, amplified by social media impact and diminished play time, fosters overmedicalization. This risks unnecessary medication and stigma, eroding resilience and burdening generations with lasting psychological and social harm, as seen in rising mental health challenges among youth.