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UK ADHD Overdiagnosis Myth: Experts Say It's Underdiagnosed
6 Mar
Summary
- UK experts state there is no evidence of ADHD being overdiagnosed.
- Services in the UK struggle to adequately support individuals needing ADHD help.
- Alarmist rhetoric about ADHD could unfairly deny care to those diagnosed.
Experts in the UK have asserted that claims of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) being overdiagnosed are unfounded. A collective of 32 specialists, comprising clinicians, academics, and patients, has published findings suggesting the condition might actually be underdiagnosed. They highlight that existing clinical services are insufficient to support the growing number of individuals requiring assistance for ADHD.
The published paper indicates that approximately 5.4% of children and 3.3% of adults in the UK are estimated to have ADHD. Although diagnostic rates in clinical services rose between 2000 and 2018, these figures remain below the actual prevalence, refuting population-level overdiagnosis. The increase is attributed to greater awareness of the condition.
Concerns were raised that the narrative of ADHD overdiagnosis could be detrimental, potentially denying proper care to diagnosed individuals. While some misdiagnoses may occur due to assessment quality or guideline adherence issues, the overarching concern is the unmet need for ADHD support. Untreated ADHD poses significant risks, including substance misuse, injuries, and increased mortality.
Professor Samuele Cortese from the University of Southampton stated that while diagnosis rates have increased, many individuals with ADHD remain undiagnosed. He emphasized that the critical problem is not overdiagnosis but the inability of UK services to adequately meet the needs of those affected. The government launched a review into ADHD and autism services in December 2025 to examine rising demand and its drivers.
