NEW YORK — The number of adults being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is on the rise, prompting many individuals to question whether they, too, might be experiencing symptoms. This phenomenon isn’t just anecdotal; recent studies suggest over 15 million U.S. adults are now diagnosed with ADHD, roughly 1 in 17.
Allison Burk, from Columbus, Ohio, experienced this realization firsthand. It began with her teenage daughter's struggles with emotions and attention span. During the evaluation process, Burk reflected, "Wait a minute. This seems familiar." Following her daughter’s diagnosis of ADHD, Burk sought her own assessment and was diagnosed at age 42. Burk's story encapsulates how adult awareness and diagnosis of ADHD have surged, reflecting broader societal changes.
Diagnoses of ADHD, historically thought to start only in childhood, are increasingly being found in adults. Psychologist Justin Barterian at Ohio State University has seen requests for ADHD assessments double within the last two years. He notes, “Just in our clinic, requests for assessments have doubled in the last two years.” This demand reflects the growing recognition of ADHD, which has been confirmed by recent government reports indicating rising rates among adults.
Another factor contributing to the increase is the COVID-19 pandemic, which transformed the way people functioned at home. Angelika Claussen of the CDC explained, “It’s very difficult to focus when you are home and you have kids.” The pandemic's unprecedented disruptions drove attention and focus challenges to the surface, especially for those who may have already had mild ADHD symptoms.
ADHD symptoms can lead to difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and time management, impacting various aspects of life from work to personal relationships. Adults diagnosed often recount challenges associated with these symptoms. For Judy Sandler of Maine, diagnosed later in life, ADHD feels like “an engine... that's always running.”
This rising trend can be traced back to shifts in diagnostic criteria, particularly changes made around 2013, which widened the gateways for potential ADHD diagnoses by reducing the necessary criteria for symptom presentation. Cases began to noticeably spike around 2020, with many adults suddenly displaced from their structured environments, such as schools and workplaces.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults can be complex, as it requires thorough evaluations rather than simplistic tests. Experts stress the importance of careful histories and evaluations. Despite this, many individuals turn to family doctors or online quizzes for quick assessments due to long wait times for mental health providers. "There is wide variability in this country in how people diagnose, how strict they are, and who they diagnose,” noted Margaret Sibley, psychologist at the University of Washington.
Despite potential overdiagnosis controversies, it’s clear the conversation around ADHD is gaining traction. Social media plays a role, with more individuals sharing their personal experiences of ADHD and raising awareness about the condition, which historically suffered from stigma and misunderstanding.
The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders is preparing to release the first national set of diagnosis and treatment guidelines aimed at standardizing ADHD assessment and management among adults. The anticipation surrounding these guidelines reflects the urgent need for improved clarity and accuracy in diagnosing ADHD, which many believe could help destigmatize the condition.
Understanding ADHD’s complexity and fostering awareness about it paves the way for more informed and compassionate approaches toward those inevitably affected. Whether through well-structured guidelines or open conversations, the time has come to shed light on ADHD among adults and help individuals navigate their mental health journeys.