Health

Is ADHD on the Rise? New Research Paints a Different Picture

2025-06-05

Author: Rajesh

LONDON – Many might think ADHD is becoming increasingly common, but recent research suggests otherwise. A new review from King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience reveals that the rate of medical diagnoses for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has remained largely stable between 2020 and 2024.

Published on June 5, the findings stem from only four studies due to the poor quality of others in the field, leading to significant questions about how ADHD prevalence is being tracked.

ADHD, characterized by symptoms such as short attention spans and restlessness, has gained significant media attention in recent years, sparking public concern over a perceived rise in diagnoses. Dr. Alex Martin, a psychology lecturer and one of the study’s authors, commented on the situation, saying, "While there may be an increase in assessments and people seeking help, our findings indicate major gaps in our understanding of ADHD prevalence, leaving us with a confusing picture."

Interestingly, there seems to be a growing trend of individuals seeking evaluations for ADHD, which may reflect a changing societal perspective on the disorder. Dr. Philip Shaw, a professor of child and adolescent psychiatry, noted that social media could be playing a role in this shift by helping to destigmatize ADHD.

He explained how social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok may be influencing public perceptions, though researchers still do not fully understand the implications of social media on brain function and attention.

Ongoing research aims to uncover whether social media is genuinely impacting ADHD symptoms or if children predisposed to distraction are simply drawn to these multitasking environments. For now, the link remains unclear, leaving room for further exploration in this crucial area.