Debate over the rise in adult ADHD cases has become a major talking point in society with many politicians and commentators wading into the debate. Questions include whether the reported 20-fold rise in adult ADHD diagnoses since 2000 reflects a real rise in the population, or is a result of better diagnosis, over-diagnosis, self-diagnosis, or a complex interplay of all of these factors and more. ADHD has also been heavily cited as one of the reasons that more young people are not in work. And some experts contend that the real problem is un-met need for help and not over-diagnosis.
A paper has been published in the Journal of Affective Disorders which looks at data from 40 studies on the prevalence and incidence of ADHD between January 2020 and February 2024. One of the authors of this paper presented the findings.
To coincide with a new systematic review examining the literature on numbers of cases, the SMC brought together 2 leading ADHD experts to reflect on their experience and tackle some of these questions. The experts were not authors on the study, but the data was available and the scientists are leading ADHD researchers who were able to comment on the new data.
Speakers included:
To present the paper: Dr Alex Martin, Lecturer in Psychology and Pandemic Preparedness, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London
Prof Phillip Shaw, Director of the King’s Maudsley Partnership for Children and Young People, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London
Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke, Professor of Developmental Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London