THE RISE OF ADULT ADHD DIAGNOSIS: AWARENESS OR OVERDIAGNOSIS

Abstract

Background. In the early 2020s, the global ADHD landscape shifted radically, marked by surging public interest, social media discourse, and rising diagnosis rates. The review investigates whether it reflects enhanced clinical awareness or a trend toward overdiagnosis. Comparing diagnostic trajectories, the study addresses the issue of overdiagnosis in certain populations and persistent underdiagnosis in others, followed by age and gender influence prevalence rates. Aim. The study aims to analyze epidemiological trends in ADHD diagnosis among children and adults, assesses overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis, and identify challenges in the diagnostic process along with factors influencing current diagnostic trends. Material and methods. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Frontiers, and Google Scholar. The analysis was grounded in DSM-5 criteria, Conners 3, and DIVA-5 questionnaires. NICE guidelines were incorporated to evaluate methodological rigor and temporal demands required for valid clinical assessments. Results. Data indicate an increase in ADHD diagnoses from 6.1% in 1997 to 10.2% in 2016. Longitudinal analysis reveals an escalation linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pre-pandemic, adult diagnoses averaged 8.8 per 100,000 population monthly. During 2020–2021, this rose to 19.2/100,000 (a 4.9% month-over-month increase). Post-pandemic reached an average of 34.8/100,000. Conclusions. Despite the noticeable increase in diagnostic rates reported in clinical settings, there remains a lack of solid epidemiological evidence demonstrating a rise in the prevalence of ADHD within the general population within the last decade. Currently, the data does not support a rise in ADHD prevalence, rather it reflects shifts in awareness, diagnostic practices, and health-care seeking behaviors.