ADHD in Europe - Why Are Diagnoses and Prescriptions Soaring?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a well-recognised neurodevelopmental condition, affecting attention, impulse control, and activity levels. In Europe, it is estimated that around 6% of the population live with ADHD. Psychiatrists consistently emphasise that ADHD is a legitimate, real disorder.
The Post-COVID Surge - Diagnoses and Prescriptions
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, England has seen a striking increase in ADHD medication prescriptions. The rate rose from approximately 25 per 1,000 people in 2019/20 to 41.6 per 1,000 in 2023/24. This is mirrored by a recent study showing a 20-fold increase in ADHD diagnoses among men (and a 15-fold increase among women) over an 18-year period. UK charities also report a 400% rise in adults seeking ADHD assessments since 2020. In 2023, the NHS website recorded 4.3 million page views for ADHD information, making it the second most-viewed condition after COVID.
Across Europe, similar trends are observed. For example, a German health-insurance study found diagnosed ADHD in under-18s rose from 5.0% to 6.1% between 2009 and 2014, while adult diagnoses doubled from 0.2% to 0.4%. Yet, these figures remain below what population surveys would predict, indicating that many individuals with ADHD are still not being identified.
Why Are ADHD Diagnoses Increasing?
Researchers interpret these changes primarily as a result of greater awareness and “sensitisation” to adult ADHD, rather than the emergence of a new epidemic. Several factors are driving this trend:
Greater Awareness: There is now much more information about ADHD available to doctors, parents, and patients. Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have made ADHD stories and symptoms highly visible, often encouraging self-referral.
Changes in Diagnostic Criteria: Modern diagnostic manuals have broadened definitions, allowing for attention-predominant and combined forms, and permitting diagnosis in older teenagers and adults56.
Healthcare Access and Policy: Long waiting lists for public assessments have pushed families towards private clinics, increasing pressure for formal diagnoses.
Societal and Educational Changes: Increased demands on attention and self-regulation in schools and workplaces have led to more referrals for assessment.
Media and Social Influence: Constant exposure to ADHD-related content online can sometimes blur the line between genuine symptoms and normal variations in attention or mood.
The Risks and Benefits of Diagnosis
A correct ADHD diagnosis can be transformative, providing access to therapies, school or workplace accommodations, and a framework for understanding lifelong challenges. However, there are real risks. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary medication, potential side effects, and the mislabelling of normal behaviour as pathological.
The quality of assessments is crucial-comprehensive, guideline-based evaluations are needed to distinguish ADHD from other conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. .
The Debate - Epidemic or Recognition?
Some argue that the dramatic rise in diagnoses and prescriptions signals an “epidemic”, suggesting that something unusual is happening. Others counter that these numbers reflect historic underdiagnosis-especially among girls and adults-who are only now being properly identified and supported.
Striking a Balance
Mental health professionals stress the importance of balance. ADHD is a legitimate disorder that can benefit from diagnosis and treatment, but it should not be applied to every energetic child or distracted adult. Increased awareness and better recognition, not a sudden surge in a new disease, explain most of the rise. Still, caution is warranted: public discussion should remain factual and balanced.
“ADHD is a legitimate disorder that can benefit from diagnosis and treatment, but it should not be applied to every energetic child or distracted adult.”
By ensuring assessments are multimodal, involve a multidiscplinary team and evidence-based, we can help those with ADHD access the support they need-without pathologising normal behaviour.
The ongoing conversation about ADHD must remain rooted in science, compassion, and balance.
