Why are so many adults being diagnosed with ADHD?

Published on 5 July 2025 at 18:20

You’re not imagining it - more and more adults are receiving ADHD diagnoses, often after years of feeling like they were “just disorganised,” “lazy,” or “not living up to their potential.”

So why didn’t it get picked up earlier?

- ADHD looks different in adults. Many people, especially women, masked symptoms or were high achievers, flying under the radar.

- Understanding has evolved. For decades, ADHD was seen as a childhood disorder focused on hyperactivity in boys. We now know it affects adults too; often showing up as forgetfulness, overwhelm, or emotional dysregulation.

- Life gets busier. The demands of adulthood (jobs, parenting, managing a household) can push executive function challenges into the spotlight.

- We’re talking about it more. Social media, mental health awareness, and shared stories have helped people recognise traits in themselves and seek support.

If you’ve spent years feeling like your brain works differently, you’re not alone and help is available.

Diagnosis isn’t about labelling - it’s about understanding, support, and learning how to thrive.

#ADHDAwareness #AdultADHD #MentalHealthMatters #Psychologist #Neurodiversity #ExecutiveFunction #LateDiagnosis

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