NEW YORK — Allison Burk’s daughter faced intense emotional challenges, a declining ability to maintain concentration, and an increasing habit of procrastination. After consulting with a family physician who recommended testing for ADHD, a surprising revelation came to light: not only did the teen have ADHD, but Burk discovered she was also diagnosed with the condition herself. During her daughter’s evaluation, Burk recognized symptoms that resonated with her own experiences.
At 42, Burk embarked on her own assessment journey and received her ADHD diagnosis. This scenario is becoming increasingly common, as more adults are being identified with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Although diagnoses have risen steadily over the years, an acceleration has been observed recently.
According to a new study, it is estimated that more than 15 million adults in the U.S. — approximately 1 in 17 — have received an ADHD diagnosis. ADHD is typically identified in childhood, yet about half of those with the disorder do not receive their diagnosis until they are 18 or older. Reports indicate a dramatic increase in individuals seeking evaluations for ADHD.
“Requests for assessments in our clinic have doubled over the last two years,” said Justin Barterian, a psychologist affiliated with Ohio State University. Understanding the dynamics of ADHD is crucial for individuals who might be experiencing symptoms of this disorder.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults can significantly hinder one’s ability to focus and regulate impulsivity. The disorder can be hereditary and is often treated through a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. “It feels like there’s a constant internal engine running, and the only way to turn it off is with medication,” shared Judy Sandler, a Maine resident diagnosed with ADHD in her 50s.
ADHD is recognized as the most frequently diagnosed mental health disorder among children in the U.S., with over 7 million children identified. Traditionally, it was believed to predominantly affect boys due to their more visible disruptions in classroom settings, and many assumed that children would outgrow the condition. However, experts suggest that countless individuals go undiagnosed in childhood and carry the symptoms into adulthood.
Adults dealing with ADHD often report difficulties in focusing on assignments, managing responsibilities, and effectively planning their time. Relationships can suffer as a result of restlessness, mood swings, and impulsivity. Burk, who was identified as a talented student in her younger years, eventually completed her college education in her thirties after navigating early life challenges as a single mother.
The incidence of ADHD diagnoses has been on the rise among both children and adults. Recent government research indicates a higher prevalence of adult ADHD than previously thought. “We haven’t had substantial data on adult ADHD from federal sources for a while,” mentioned Angelika Claussen, a study author from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Several indicators support this increase, such as surging demand for ADHD medication, which resulted in extensive shortages following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. A 2023 analysis highlighted that the increase in prescriptions was particularly significant in adults, especially for women.
The rise of diagnoses and prescription rates began even prior to the pandemic, attributed in part to a shift in the diagnostic criteria introduced in 2013, which expanded the ADHD definition and reduced the number of symptoms required for diagnosis. However, the data indicates a significant jump in cases around 2020, coinciding with school closures and remote work transitions. “It’s incredibly challenging to concentrate when managing work responsibilities from home, especially when there are children present,” Claussen noted, suggesting that these circumstances may have heightened symptoms for those with previously mild ADHD.
In recent years, there has been growing societal awareness and acceptance of ADHD, bolstered by the rise of social media content featuring personal ADHD stories and the introduction of online diagnostics. Nevertheless, this evolution has sparked a debate on whether ADHD is now being overdiagnosed in adults.
ADHD cannot be diagnosed via a blood test or brain scan; instead, professionals assess the severity of symptoms and their impact on various facets of life, looking for connections to childhood experiences. Ideally, the diagnosis is established through thorough patient histories garnered from direct interviews and observations by familiar associates. Memory and concentration tests may also be administered, and it is imperative to rule out conditions like anxiety and depression that could mimic ADHD symptoms.
Unfortunately, accessing mental health professionals can be a prolonged process, with appointments taking months to secure and in-person evaluations potentially costing thousands of dollars. Subsequently, many individuals resort to consulting their family doctors or utilizing online diagnostic quizzes associated with telehealth services that may prescribe medications.
“There is significant inconsistency across the country regarding diagnostic processes, stringency, and the populations being evaluated,” observed Margaret Sibley, a psychologist from the University of Washington. In an effort to address these discrepancies, the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders is working on establishing a comprehensive set of diagnostic and treatment guidelines for health professionals treating adults, with a projected release later this year. The aim is to enhance the accuracy of ADHD diagnoses nationwide.
