If you’ve noticed more people being diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in recent years, you’re not alone. It can sometimes feel like it’s become a buzzword, or even a trendy label that’s applied to anyone who struggles to focus for a few minutes. According to ADHD UK, roughly 694,000 British kids have the condition, as well as 1.9 million adults — but only about 600,000 of them have been clinically diagnosed. So, is it really a fad, or is there something else going on? Here’s why ADHD seems to be popping up more often in conversations and diagnoses today.
ADHD isn’t just for kids anymore.
For a long time, ADHD was mainly associated with children. It was the kind of thing people used to hear about in the school context, often linked to kids who were restless or had trouble sitting still in class. But recently, there’s been a noticeable rise in diagnoses among adults. That’s not because ADHD is new — people with ADHD have always existed. It’s just that for a long time, the signs weren’t being recognised in adults.
Now, more people are becoming aware of how ADHD can affect adults. For many, the realisation comes when they start to understand that it’s not just about being hyperactive or distracted. ADHD can affect everything from time management to organisation, and even emotions. So, if you’re someone who’s been struggling with these things for years without knowing why, the rise in diagnoses might seem a bit more personal.
There’s much better awareness of neurodivergence these days.
One of the reasons ADHD seems more common is that there’s a lot more awareness around it now. For years, people didn’t really know what to make of certain behaviours, and many symptoms of ADHD went undiagnosed or misunderstood. But as mental health conversations have become more open and accessible, more people are learning about the signs and realising they might be dealing with ADHD.
The internet, social media, and advocacy groups have played a huge role in this. TikTok, for example, has seen a surge in content from people sharing their experiences of ADHD — everything from struggles with focus to funny mishaps that many people with ADHD can relate to. As these conversations spread, people start to recognise those same traits in themselves. What was once seen as just “being a bit forgetful” or “easily distracted” now might be understood as something that could be linked to ADHD.
The explosion of mental health awareness has a lot to do with it.
ADHD is not the only diagnosis that’s getting more attention. There’s been a broader trend in the past decade where mental health issues are being discussed more openly. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and autism are more widely recognised now, and with this increase in awareness comes a wider understanding of ADHD as well. This doesn’t mean that ADHD wasn’t around before — people just weren’t as open about talking about it.
In a way, this is a good thing. The more we talk about mental health, the more people feel comfortable getting help or advice when they need it. But it can also make ADHD seem more prevalent, especially when every new mental health blog or post mentions ADHD in some way. When it feels like everyone’s talking about it, it might give the impression that ADHD is on the rise, but it’s really that we’re just more informed about it now.
Is ADHD being overdiagnosed?
There’s also the question of whether ADHD is being overdiagnosed. It’s not unheard of for people to be diagnosed with conditions based on the trends of the time. Some critics argue that doctors might be too quick to slap an ADHD label on someone who has trouble concentrating, especially when it comes to children.
But here’s the thing — ADHD is a complex condition, and it doesn’t always show up in the ways people expect. It’s not just about being unable to sit still; many people with ADHD are good at hiding their struggles, especially if they’ve learned to cope over time. And in adults, especially, the symptoms can be subtle — disorganisation, forgetfulness, or procrastination might not seem like big issues until they start to interfere with your day-to-day life.
The fact is, many people are going through life without a diagnosis, simply because they never realised their struggles were linked to something more than just bad habits or a lack of willpower. As awareness improves, more people are seeking out diagnoses, and doctors are becoming better at identifying it in adults. Whether or not that means ADHD is overdiagnosed is still up for debate, but there’s no denying that the increase in diagnoses is helping more people get the support they need.
Social media and influencers play a role.
It’s hard to ignore the impact that influencers and social media personalities are having on how we view ADHD. Many people, especially younger generations, turn to platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok for advice and validation. When someone shares their ADHD journey, whether it’s funny or serious, it can resonate with people in a way that traditional medical sources don’t.
Seeing someone explain their experiences with ADHD can help people see that they’re not alone in what they’re going through. It’s a comforting feeling when someone points out that the things you’ve struggled with, like losing your keys all the time or starting projects and never finishing them, might be related to something more than just your personality. It makes ADHD feel more accessible, and in a way, that’s what’s been driving its rise as a “trendy” diagnosis.
ADHD and the modern world are inextricably linked.
Let’s not forget that the modern world doesn’t always work in favour of people who have trouble focusing or keeping up with multiple tasks at once. The pace of life is faster than ever, and distractions are everywhere. Social media, constant emails, and non-stop notifications make it even harder to stay focused. In a way, this environment can exacerbate the symptoms of ADHD, or make it harder for those who already have the condition to manage it.
The demands of modern life, especially for people juggling work, family, and personal goals, might make it seem like ADHD is more common simply because people are struggling more with these pressures. It’s harder to keep track of everything when your attention is being pulled in a thousand directions. In this sense, ADHD might not be more prevalent, but it is more noticeable and harder to ignore.
The stigma is fading, thankfully.
Yet another reason ADHD is becoming more talked about is that the stigma surrounding mental health and neurodiversity is fading. People are more open about discussing their diagnoses and experiences, which helps normalise it. Where ADHD was once seen as a “childhood disorder” or something that could be “fixed” with medication, it’s now understood as a lifelong condition that can be managed with the right support.
This shift in perception means that more people are comfortable talking about their ADHD experiences, and the more these conversations happen, the more it seems like it’s on the rise. But in reality, it’s just that more people are speaking out and receiving diagnoses that they might not have sought out in the past.
ADHD isn’t “trendy” — at least not because it’s a passing phase or something that’s suddenly become fashionable. It’s because awareness is higher, people are getting diagnosed later in life, and the stigma around mental health is fading. The rise of ADHD as a diagnosis can be seen as a positive thing, as it opens up conversations and allows people to get the help they need. And while it might seem like ADHD is a “new trend,” the truth is it’s always been there — people just didn’t always know what to call it.
