Why Are So Many Adults Getting Diagnosed With Adhd?

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In recent years, conversations around Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have expanded beyond classrooms to boardrooms, social media, and therapy spaces. Adults who once dismissed their struggles as “Laziness” or “Lack of focus” are now discovering that ADHD can persist well beyond childhood.

The increased visibility of ADHD, thanks to online platforms, workplace wellness movements, and mental health advocacy, has helped many adults recognise symptoms they have lived with for years. However, this rise in awareness has also sparked questions about overdiagnosis, stimulant use, and whether ADHD is being misunderstood.

Why ADHD Often Goes Unnoticed in Childhood:
ADHD is a developmental condition, meaning its symptoms usually start in childhood. But all cases are caught early, especially among girls and high-functioning students who internalise their difficulties instead of acting out.

For instance, a child who constantly daydreams or hyperfocuses on creative projects may not raise concerns at school. Only later, as adult responsibilities multiply, managing deadlines, maintaining ...
... relationships, or staying organised, do these patterns begin to disrupt daily life.

Psychologically, adults who were never diagnosed often carry deep-seated self-criticism, believing they are inherently “messy” or “inconsistent”, when in reality, their brains simply process attention and stimulation differently.

What’s Driving the Rise in Diagnosis?
The surge in ADHD diagnoses can’t be attributed to one single factor- it’s a mix of evolving understanding, broader diagnostic criteria, and greater social acceptance of mental health support.

The DSM-5 changes in 2013, for example, allowed ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder to coexist and extended the age of symptom onset from 7 to 12 years old. These updates made it easier for adults to finally receive a diagnosis that matched their lived experiences.

Additionally, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have made ADHD relatable and visible. While some content risks oversimplifying the disorder, many creators have helped destigmatise it by sharing authentic stories of coping, executive dysfunction, and emotional regulation.

Beyond Diagnosis: Understanding the Psychological Impact
For adults with ADHD, the struggle goes beyond attention- it touches self-esteem, emotional regulation, and identity. Many report feeling misunderstood or chronically overwhelmed, often developing anxiety or depression as secondary effects.

Therapeutically, it is essential to focus not just on symptom management but also on self-understanding and narrative reframing, helping individuals see their challenges through a compassionate lens rather than one of failure.

As one client put it during therapy: “I realised I wasn’t broken- I just wasn’t built for the systems around me”. That insight can be transformative.

Getting the Right Support:
Treatment for ADHD in adults is most effective when it combines psychotherapy, coaching, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes medication. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) helps manage distractions and build structure, while narrative therapy allows individuals to rewrite their story with empathy and agency.

If you resonate with these patterns or have long wondered whether ADHD might be part of your experience, consider reaching out to Kashmira Kakalia, Special Education and Narrative Therapist at