Prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have drastically risen in the UK in recent years, with the highest rise seen in London, according to new research.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Aston University and the University of Huddersfield found that ADHD prescriptions had risen by 18 per cent each year since the pandemic, with a 28 per cent increase in London.
What actually is ADHD and why does it seem to be on the rise?
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by symptoms including disorganisation, impulsiveness and difficulty concentrating.
The exact cause of ADHD is not known. The disorder can be treated by medication, therapy or a combination of both.
Why are ADHD diagnoses in London on the rise?
Experts do not know for certain why ADHD diagnoses are on the rise in London and across the UK, but the researchers behind the study have put forward some theories.
They said that there may be a “strong association between the impact of the (Covid) pandemic and the worsening of ADHD symptoms”.
The researchers also suggested that the increasing visibility of conditions like ADHD on social media may also encourage people to seek diagnosis and treatment.
“Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become new hubs for ADHD campaigns, with thousands of people sharing their experiences, coping strategies and journey to diagnosis,” the researchers said.
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Dr. Naheed Ali, a physician and senior contributor at Vera Clinic, said that he has “heard from plenty of people” who struggled with “focus, time management, or emotional regulation”, but it wasn’t “until they saw someone break it down [on social media] in a way that clicked”.
Social media platforms can help “raise awareness and reduce stigma around ADHD”, Dr. Lafina Diamandis, a GP and Lifestyle Medicine Doctor and founder of Deia Health Clinic told The Standard. “Many people undiagnosed as children are now seeking assessments as adults,” Dr Diamandis added.
She also pointed out that the expansion of private clinics, which are highly saturated in London, could also contribute to the rise in diagnoses by “offering quicker access to assessments than through the NHS, which can sometimes take years”.
Is ADHD itself on the rise?
While ADHD prescriptions are on the rise in the capital, this doesn’t necessarily mean that ADHD itself is. “ADHD for adults was not diagnosable before 2013 as the DSM nor the ICD (manuals on which diagnosis is made) did not include developmentally appropriate symptoms and thresholds for adults,” said Dr Ute Liersch, Counselling Psychologist at The Soke.
In other words, the data may reflect a shift in the clinical understanding of ADHD rather than more people actually having the disorder.
“The rise in UK ADHD diagnoses mostly reflects better recognition and broader diagnostic criteria, rather than a genuine surge in cases,” said Dr Michael Swift, founder and Clinical Director of Swift Psychology in Birmingham.
How are children diagnosed with ADHD?
There is no single test for ADHD. The diagnosis may differ depending on whether you are enquiring about an adult or a child.
If you think that your child might have ADHD, it’s recommended that you speak to your GP who will be able to make a referral for a specialist assessment. Schools may also be able to facilitate specialist referrals.
The specialist assessment may include a physical examination (to rule out other conditions) and a series of interviews with the child (and potentially their teachers).
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must display at least six symptoms of inattentiveness or six or more symptoms of impulsiveness and hyperactivity.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include:
Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness include:
The child must show symptoms (that significantly impact their life) continuously for a minimum of six months, starting before the age of twelve.
How are adults diagnosed with ADHD?
Diagnosing adults with ADHD is often more complicated. Adults with ADHD may be underachieving at work or struggling to keep friends or maintain relationships with partners.
Some specialists will diagnose an adult with ADHD if they have at least five symptoms of inattentiveness or five or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Adults are only diagnosed with ADHD if they have had symptoms since childhood. The NHS recommends consulting school records or talking to parents or teachers to work out when your symptoms started.
