In recent years, a growing number of US adults have sought evaluations for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), often leading to unexpected diagnoses, the Associated Press reports.
Although ADHD is typically identified during childhood, an increasing number of adults are being diagnosed for the first time, prompting questions about the prevalence and diagnosis process for the condition.
Allison Burk, a mother from Columbus, Ohio, experienced this firsthand. When her teenage daughter was evaluated for ADHD after struggling with emotional regulation, attention span, and procrastination, Burk recognized familiar patterns in her own behavior.
“I was able to piece together that this might be something I was experiencing,” Burk said.
She underwent testing and was diagnosed with ADHD at age 42.
ADHD symptoms in adults can manifest as difficulty focusing, impulsivity, mood swings, and challenges with time management. Despite being considered one of the most common mental health conditions in children, many people—particularly girls and women—are undiagnosed until adulthood.
ADHD diagnoses among adults have been rising for decades but have accelerated in recent years. A recent study suggested that more than 15 million U.S. adults—roughly 1 in 17—have been diagnosed with the condition. According to Justin Barterian, a psychologist at Ohio State University, demand for ADHD assessments has doubled in the past two years at his clinic alone.
The increase is partly due to broader diagnostic criteria introduced in 2013, which made it easier to identify cases. Additionally, lifestyle disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including school closures and remote work, highlighted symptoms in people who previously managed to cope.
“It’s very difficult to focus when you are home and you have kids,” explained Angelika Claussen from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “That may have exacerbated the symptoms for people who’d had mild ADHD but were able to cope before the pandemic.”
The heightened interest has also been fueled by social media, where countless users share personal stories of ADHD diagnoses, and by online diagnostic tools offered by telehealth companies.
Unlike conditions with clear physical markers, ADHD is diagnosed based on a detailed assessment of a person’s history and symptoms. Key factors include persistent difficulties in more than one area of life, with symptoms dating back to pre-adolescent childhood.
Psychologists or psychiatrists ideally conduct in-depth interviews and administer memory and concentration tests. They also must rule out other conditions such as anxiety and depression that can present similar symptoms. However, getting an appointment with a mental health specialist can take months and cost thousands of dollars, pushing many patients toward family doctors or even quick online quizzes.
“There is wide variability in this country in how people diagnose, how strict they are, and who they diagnose,” said Margaret Sibley, a psychologist at the University of Washington.
To address these inconsistencies, the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders is developing national guidelines to standardize diagnosis and treatment for adults.
ADHD can be treated through medication, behavioral therapy, or a combination of both. Despite challenges in getting a diagnosis, growing awareness has helped many adults gain insight into lifelong patterns and find strategies for better focus and time management.
As public interest continues to rise, experts encourage individuals who suspect they have ADHD to seek proper evaluation and to approach online diagnostic tools with caution. With improved diagnostic guidelines on the horizon, the goal is to ensure that adults who need help receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
