The feeling is increasingly common: you mention your ADHD diagnosis, only for a friend to casually remark, "Oh, I probably have that too." For many who live with the condition, such comments can feel dismissive, reducing a complex neurodevelopmental disorder to a quirky personality trait or a trendy label.
A Political Spark and a Personal Sting
This public conversation gained political traction when Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced a government review into ADHD and autism services in England. In March, he had voiced concerns about 'overdiagnosis', suggesting normal feelings were being 'over-pathologised'. He has since apologised for the divisive nature of his comments, acknowledging in The Guardian that he had "failed to capture the complexity of the problem."
For individuals like Eleanor Noyce, who received her diagnosis at 23, the 'overdiagnosis' argument is insulting. Her relief at finally understanding a lifetime of struggles—from time blindness and emotional dysregulation to lost keys and impulsive decisions—was met with a friend's well-meaning but minimising response. It highlighted a growing perception that ADHD is a trend, akin to how OCD has been misrepresented as mere tidiness.
The Data Behind the 'Surge' in Diagnoses
So, is everyone getting ADHD? The statistics tell a more nuanced story. A UCL study found a twenty-fold increase in diagnoses between 2000 and 2018, with an almost fifty-fold rise in prescriptions for men aged 18-29. However, a 2025 review from King's College London, analysing 40 studies across 17 countries, concluded that the actual prevalence of ADHD has not increased since 2020.
Experts like Dr Alex Martin suggest the feeling of a 'surge' is better explained by snowballing assessments and help-seeking behaviour, driven by greater awareness. Crucially, significant barriers remain. NHS waiting times can stretch to eight years, and private assessments average around £1,200. For an estimated 50-70% of the 1 million women in the UK with ADHD, medical bias historically focused on male symptoms means they remain undiagnosed.
Diagnosis: More Than Just Checking Boxes
Obtaining an ADHD diagnosis is a rigorous process, far from being handed out like "lollipops," as psychologist Dr Andrea Pickering of Clinical Partners explains to Metro. Adults must exhibit at least five persistent symptoms from the DSM-5 criteria. The key differentiator is the frequency, pervasiveness, and debilitating impact of these symptoms across work, school, and relationships.
"ADHD isn't just being 'scatterbrained' or 'disorganised'," Dr Pickering states. "It's a neurodevelopmental condition rooted in differences in brain structure and function." Assessments often involve gathering historical evidence, such as school reports or family testimony, to prove symptoms began before age 12.
Modern Life vs. A Neurodevelopmental Condition
In a world of digital overload and constant multitasking, many people feel distracted and overwhelmed. Dr Pickering acknowledges that modern environments can reduce attention spans for anyone. However, she emphasises the distinction: "While modern life can make anyone feel distracted, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition with symptoms that are consistent, long-standing and impairing across multiple areas of life."
The rise in awareness and shared stories is saving lives and fostering community. But as Noyce argues, awareness without understanding is futile. Trivialising ADHD as something "everyone has" or a "superpower" diminishes the real, daily challenges faced by those with the condition. It's not about occasionally losing your keys; it's about navigating a world not designed for neurodivergent minds.
