Overview

• NHS England estimates that 2.498 million people in England may have ADHD, including undiagnosed individuals
• By the end of March 2025, 549,000 people were awaiting an ADHD assessment, up from 416,000 a year earlier
• A King’s College London review of international studies found no meaningful increase in ADHD prevalence since 2020 despite rising demand for evaluations
• Experts warn that current diagnostic thresholds lack clear biological boundaries and may lead to artificial decisions
• Professionals link growing assessment referrals to reduced stigma, social media awareness and a neurodiversity movement encouraging self-referral among adolescents and adults