Why Are ADHD Diagnoses Surging?

In recent years, there has been a notable rise in the number of people seeking and receiving an ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) diagnosis in the UK. In 2024, the BBC reported that there were almost 200,000 people awaiting ADHD diagnoses in the UK – a significant rise from pre-pandemic numbers. But why are we seeing such a surge? And what does it mean for those living with ADHD?

A Growing Awareness.

One of the most positive drivers behind the rise in diagnoses is simply greater awareness. In the past, many individuals, particularly women and adults, were overlooked. ADHD was historically thought of as a childhood condition. It was primarily associated with hyperactivity and disruptive behaviour and it was expected that many would ‘grow out of it’. However, we now recognise that ADHD can persist into adulthood and that it can present very differently across different people. Symptoms like inattentiveness, disorganisation, impulsivity, and emotional regulation difficulties may have been previously misunderstood or attributed to personality quirks. With better public understanding and healthcare professionals becoming more attuned to the broad range of ADHD presentations, more people are accessing the support they deserve.

Changing Attitudes to Mental Health.

Another important shift is the way we view mental health more broadly. Mental health difficulties, once heavily stigmatised, are now far more openly discussed. This change in attitude has encouraged people to seek help earlier, rather than struggling alone. Statistics from the World Health Organization show a 25% global increase in anxiety and depression during 2020, while in England, around 1 in 6 adults meet the criteria for a common mental health problem in any given week. These figures reflect a broader trend: people are increasingly recognising that struggles with focus, motivation, and emotional regulation could be part of a larger picture – and they are seeking answers.

The Expansion of Diagnostic Criteria.

At the same time, the criteria for ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions have broadened over the years. Where once only the most obvious or severe cases were diagnosed, clinicians now understand that ADHD can affect highly capable, successful individuals too. This expansion has its critics. Some professionals, such as Dr Alistair Santhouse, a consultant psychiatrist, argue that we are at risk of ‘medicalising’ behaviours that might once have been seen as within the normal range of human experience. As an example, he points out that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) – the standard classification manual used for mental health diagnoses in the United States – has ballooned from 128 categories in 1952 to 541 today.

However, it’s also true that without this greater sensitivity, many people would continue to live undiagnosed, struggling with challenges they didn't fully understand. In many cases, diagnosis is not about labelling, but about opening doors to support, understanding, and practical tools that can make a real difference.

Social Pressures and Modern Life.

Life today is full of demands: constant digital stimulation, high expectations for productivity, and less downtime than ever before. It's no surprise that many people feel overwhelmed, distracted, or chronically fatigued. For some, these pressures may mimic ADHD-like symptoms. For others, they may amplify underlying difficulties. Either way, modern lifestyles could be playing a role in why more people are seeking help now compared to a generation ago.

Seeking Clarity and Support.

For many, receiving an ADHD diagnosis is not about ‘finding an excuse’ – it's about finding an explanation. It can help individuals make sense of lifelong struggles, validate their experiences, and give them access to strategies and interventions that improve their quality of life. At Beyond Clinics, we see diagnosis as the beginning of a journey, not the end. Whether it’s through coaching, therapy, medication, or workplace adjustments, support is available, and it can be transformative. Importantly, ADHD is not an illness, nor is it a character flaw. It is simply one way that a brain can be wired. While it can bring challenges, many people with ADHD also report creativity, resilience, spontaneity and determination as defining traits.

Moving Forward.

As society continues to evolve, our understanding of mental health and neurodiversity must evolve too. Rather than seeing the rise in ADHD diagnoses as a problem, perhaps we can view it as a reflection of growing compassion: a willingness to recognise and accommodate the many ways in which human minds work. If you think you may have ADHD – or if you're seeking support after a recent diagnosis – know that help is out there. Beyond Clinics was founded with the express purpose of addressing the challenges with receiving diagnosis from the NHS. Because the founding team have ADHD, they are empowered by their personal experiences to help provide a genuinely supportive and accessible experience for those with ADHD.