An increasing number of adults are being diagnosed and treated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Historically it was viewed as a childhood condition. Now, ADHD is now recognised as a lifelong disorder that can profoundly impact adults, too. This has led to a surge in diagnoses and treatments in adults. This growing awareness and the subsequent increase in adult ADHD treatment reflect a broader understanding of mental health and a more inclusive approach to diagnosing and managing ADHD across all age groups.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can present as poor focus, poor concentration and poor impulse control as well as the classic hyperactivity. While these symptoms are often first identified in childhood, many individuals continue to experience them into adulthood. These symptoms can significantly adversely affect function, limiting work and academic performance, relationships, and social activities.
Hyperactive young boys were the lay persons understanding of ADHD. This led to a gender bias and a lack of recognition in adults, who may have missed the opportunity of a diagnosis and treatment as a child.
The rise in diagnosis is following increased awareness and more rigorous diagnostic criteria. More people are considering that ADHD may be a possible reason for their difficulties and a reduction in stigma in any mental health conditions has moved to a more open society engaging and willing to seek assessment. There has been a significant shift in the workplace in recent times, with open plan offices (where it would be noticed if someone did not sit at their desk) and following lockdowns with remote video working. There are now specialist ADHD clinics that diagnose and treat adults with ADHD.
There are many treatments for ADHD, not just stimulant medication but other medications too that are effective in the treatment of ADHD, as well as psychological treatment, ADHD coaching and lifestyle modifications.
The challenges we face now are access to assessment and treatment, the cost of assessment and treatment, continued availability of psychiatrists and psychologists to assess, diagnose and offer treatment, and the availability of psychiatrists to assess, diagnose co-morbid diseases that may occur with ADHD or present as ADHD.
There are still significant clinical challenges as ADHD is still underdiagnosed particularly in areas where access to healthcare is limited, through lack of NHS funding in this area or the ability to pay for independent assessments and diagnosis. A psychiatrist is essential in these assessments to exclude other mental and physical health conditions that may present like ADHD, to ensure an accurate ADHD diagnosis. The treatment options are varied and there needs to be the awareness of the best treatment for everyone to offer the best quality of life.
The rise in stimulants for adult ADHD rose by 28% from April 2023 to March 2024. This included 150,000 adult patients in England. The figures for children (under-18s) rose by 9.9% to 120,000 for the same period.
Compare this to other mental health conditions that are being treated, antidepressant medication rose by 3.3% and dementia medications rose 5.8%.
Hopefully we are enabling more people to seek assessment, get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
What can you do?
You can be open and allow people to discuss their health in your family, friends and work. Offer support for those who request it. Be aware that ADHD is a life limiting illness and its treatments are very effective.
Additional Resources
- NHS – attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/diagnosis/
- Royal College of Psychiatrists – ADHD in adults: https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/improving-care/campaigning-for-better-mental-health-policy/college-reports/2023-college-reports/cr235