Is ADHD Overdiagnosed?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Many People Have ADHD?Is ADHD Common Because It’s Overdiagnosed?Characteristics of ADHDHow to Ensure You Get the Right DiagnosisWhat Happens After an ADHD Diagnosis?

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

How Many People Have ADHD?

Is ADHD Common Because It’s Overdiagnosed?

Characteristics of ADHD

How to Ensure You Get the Right Diagnosis

What Happens After an ADHD Diagnosis?

Close

Some experts have suggested, however, that this increase might partly stem from the overdiagnosis of ADHD.

This awareness can help many who need support access it. Yet, its growing prevalence leads many to wonder if ADHD isoverdiagnosed.

At a GlanceADHD diagnosis rates have increased over the past few decades—in both children and adults. However, experts aren’t sure if this increase means more people have ADHD, if diagnostic accuracy has increased, or if this neurobehavioral condition is overdiagnosed.Getting the correct diagnosis is vital if you have ADHD to get the correct type of support and accommodations that will help you thrive. Understanding ADHD traits and seeking experts who have experience with ADHD can help ensure you get the right kind of support for you.

At a Glance

ADHD diagnosis rates have increased over the past few decades—in both children and adults. However, experts aren’t sure if this increase means more people have ADHD, if diagnostic accuracy has increased, or if this neurobehavioral condition is overdiagnosed.Getting the correct diagnosis is vital if you have ADHD to get the correct type of support and accommodations that will help you thrive. Understanding ADHD traits and seeking experts who have experience with ADHD can help ensure you get the right kind of support for you.

ADHD diagnosis rates have increased over the past few decades—in both children and adults. However, experts aren’t sure if this increase means more people have ADHD, if diagnostic accuracy has increased, or if this neurobehavioral condition is overdiagnosed.

Getting the correct diagnosis is vital if you have ADHD to get the correct type of support and accommodations that will help you thrive. Understanding ADHD traits and seeking experts who have experience with ADHD can help ensure you get the right kind of support for you.

ADHD and Its Effect in Marriage

ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders diagnosed in children.

The CDC reports that six million children in the U.S. between the ages of 3 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point during their lives. This number represents 9.8% of kids between those ages.

Between 1997 and 2016, the prevalence of ADHD increased from 6.1% to 10.2%.While experts agree that more people are diagnosed with ADHD today than in the past, there is no consensus on precisely what is responsible for this trend.

One meta-analysis suggests that ADHD is overdiagnosed both in children and adolescents. The concern with the overdiagnosis of ADHD is the resulting overtreatment, especially since ADHD often requiresstimulant medication.

Researchers suggest there are gaps in knowledge regarding the overdiagnosis of ADHD. They recommend professionals educate themselves and ensure they provide a thorough screening process.

Reasons ADHD Might Be Overdiagnosed

The overdiagnosis of ADHD might occur due to several factors:

ADHD May Have Been Underdiagnosed in the Past

It’s important to recognize that recent increases in ADHD diagnoses might not represent an overdiagnosis of this neurotype. Instead, it may reflect a historical underdiagnosis. Increased awareness means parents, teachers, and medical professionals are more aware of ADHD characteristics.

It also means that kids and adults who need extra support are more likely to be diagnosed and get extra support and accommodations to help them manage traits that might make it harder for them to function in their daily lives.

Certain groups are still prone to being underdiagnosed. Girls and women, for example, are less likely to be diagnosed because they are more likely to experience inattention and other internalizing characteristics. Because their traits are less disruptive to others, they are less likely to receive an accurate diagnosis.

Getting the right diagnosis, and avoiding the overdiagnosis of ADHD, starts with understanding the traits and characteristics of this neurotype.

ADHD involves persistent patterns of inattention and hyperactivity.It is categorized into three types:primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive, and a combined type involving both inattention and hyperactivity.

Inattentive Traits

Examples of inattention include:

Hyperactive Traits

Hyperactivity can present with the following symptoms:

Some may experience both inattention and hyperactivity, while others may struggle with one or the other. A trainedmental health professionalcan screen for ADHD, ruling out other physical or mental illnesses.

ADHD Traits Come With Strengths and Challenges

It is also important to note that while ADHD is diagnosed as a neurobehavioral condition, it is considered a disability because people with this neurotype are expected to fit into a neurotypical society with neurotypical expectations.

People with ADHD have brains that work differently than those of people without ADHD. While this can create challenges, people with ADHD brains also have many strengths.

Understanding these strengths and needs can help people diagnosed with ADHD get the type of support that they need.

ADHD is also lifelong. These traits and characteristics are usually first noticed during childhood, which is when most people are diagnosed.ADHD characteristics can also change over time, which means that a person’s support and accommodation needs may also shift.

The Relationship Between ADHD and Learning Disabilities

Getting the right diagnosis involves being aware of your traits and how they affect you. It also involves seeing a doctor or mental health professional who is trained and experienced in recognizing ADHD characteristics.

Be Aware of Conditions That Mimic ADHD

When seeking out mental health support for ADHD symptoms, be aware that there are other disorders that may have symptoms that resembleADHD characteristics. Several psychiatric disorders have inattention or impulsivity as part of their symptoms.

For example:

Be Aware of Co-Occurring Conditions

It is also possible that ADHD can co-occur with other diagnoses. Other conditions that sometimes co-occur with ADHD include:

If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD, talk to a doctor or mental health professional who has experience with this neurotype. It can be helpful to see someone with experience with ADHD or a neurodiversity-affirming professional.

After a person has been diagnosed with ADHD, the next step is determining the support or accommodations they need. The right approach for you or your child depends on your needs and how your ADHD characteristics affect your daily life.

Treatment for ADHD includes medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle support:

ADHD Medications

Stimulant medications are used most frequently due to their high efficacy, but that doesn’t mean that they are right for everyone. Stimulants that are used to treat ADHD can boost levels of essential chemicals likedopamineand norepinephrine in certain areas of the brain. Dopamine is involved in motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement.

The Most Common Low Dopamine Symptoms

ADHD Therapies

There are also different types of therapy that may be useful for managing ADHD.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) is a form of talk therapy that may help some people with ADHD. It bridges the connections between our thoughts, feelings, and actions and can potentially help with organization, time management, and distractibility.

Other helpful therapy types includemindfulness-based cognitive therapy,dialectical behavior therapy(DBT), supportive psychotherapy,narrative therapy,interpersonal therapy, and group therapy.

ADHD coaching can also be helpful. It is not a type of psychotherapy, but it can help people identify strengths, recognize challenges, and develop strategies for achieving goals.

Neurodiversity-affirming therapy can help people with ADHD manage challenges and appreciate the strengths andbenefits of this neurotype.

Types of Therapy for ADHD

Support and Accommodations

Supporting people with ADHD also often involvesaccommodations at schoolor the workplace. Interventions may also involve teachers and parents learning more about ADHD and how to reinforce positive behaviors in the classroom and at home.

Other forms of support includelearning more about ADHDand attendingsupport groups.

The Bottom LineWhile some experts believe ADHD is overdiagnosed, others suggest that there are other reasons why more people are diagnosed with ADHD today than in the past. Increased awareness has helped more people recognize their ADHD traits. Getting the right diagnosis is essential, so consider talking to an experienced professional who can assess your traits, make a diagnosis, and help you identify the supports and accommodations that will be the most helpful for you.

The Bottom Line

While some experts believe ADHD is overdiagnosed, others suggest that there are other reasons why more people are diagnosed with ADHD today than in the past. Increased awareness has helped more people recognize their ADHD traits. Getting the right diagnosis is essential, so consider talking to an experienced professional who can assess your traits, make a diagnosis, and help you identify the supports and accommodations that will be the most helpful for you.

I Think I Have ADHD: What to Do and Where to Go

10 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ADHD throughout the years.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.Abdelnour E, Jansen MO, Gold JA.ADHD diagnostic trends: Increased recognition or overdiagnosis?Mo Med. 2022;119(5):467-473.Kazda L, Bell K, Thomas R, McGeechan K, Sims R, Barratt A.Overdiagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic scoping review.JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(4):e215335. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.5335Attoe DE, Climie EA. Miss.Diagnosis: A systematic review of ADHD in adult women.J Atten Disord. 2023;27(7):645-657. doi:10.1177/10870547231161533National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Ditrich I, Philipsen A, Matthies S.Borderline personality disorder (Bpd) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Adhd) revisited – a review-update on common grounds and subtle distinctions.Borderline Pers. Disord. Emot. Dysregulation.2021;8(1):22. Doi: 10.1186/s40479-021-00162-wGnanavel S, Sharma P, Kaushal P, Hussain S.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbidity: A review of literature.World J Clin Cases. 2019;7(17):2420-2426. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v7.i17.2420Sprich SE, Knouse LE, Cooper-Vince C, Burbridge J, Safren SA.Description and demonstration of cbt for adhd in adults.Cogn Behav Pract. 2012;17(1):10.1016/j.cbpra.2009.09.002. doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2009.09.002Prevatt F, Yelland S.An empirical evaluation of ADHD coaching in college students.J Atten Disord. 2015;19(8):666-677. doi:10.1177/1087054713480036

10 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ADHD throughout the years.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.Abdelnour E, Jansen MO, Gold JA.ADHD diagnostic trends: Increased recognition or overdiagnosis?Mo Med. 2022;119(5):467-473.Kazda L, Bell K, Thomas R, McGeechan K, Sims R, Barratt A.Overdiagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic scoping review.JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(4):e215335. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.5335Attoe DE, Climie EA. Miss.Diagnosis: A systematic review of ADHD in adult women.J Atten Disord. 2023;27(7):645-657. doi:10.1177/10870547231161533National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Ditrich I, Philipsen A, Matthies S.Borderline personality disorder (Bpd) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Adhd) revisited – a review-update on common grounds and subtle distinctions.Borderline Pers. Disord. Emot. Dysregulation.2021;8(1):22. Doi: 10.1186/s40479-021-00162-wGnanavel S, Sharma P, Kaushal P, Hussain S.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbidity: A review of literature.World J Clin Cases. 2019;7(17):2420-2426. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v7.i17.2420Sprich SE, Knouse LE, Cooper-Vince C, Burbridge J, Safren SA.Description and demonstration of cbt for adhd in adults.Cogn Behav Pract. 2012;17(1):10.1016/j.cbpra.2009.09.002. doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2009.09.002Prevatt F, Yelland S.An empirical evaluation of ADHD coaching in college students.J Atten Disord. 2015;19(8):666-677. doi:10.1177/1087054713480036

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ADHD throughout the years.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.Abdelnour E, Jansen MO, Gold JA.ADHD diagnostic trends: Increased recognition or overdiagnosis?Mo Med. 2022;119(5):467-473.Kazda L, Bell K, Thomas R, McGeechan K, Sims R, Barratt A.Overdiagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic scoping review.JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(4):e215335. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.5335Attoe DE, Climie EA. Miss.Diagnosis: A systematic review of ADHD in adult women.J Atten Disord. 2023;27(7):645-657. doi:10.1177/10870547231161533National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Ditrich I, Philipsen A, Matthies S.Borderline personality disorder (Bpd) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Adhd) revisited – a review-update on common grounds and subtle distinctions.Borderline Pers. Disord. Emot. Dysregulation.2021;8(1):22. Doi: 10.1186/s40479-021-00162-wGnanavel S, Sharma P, Kaushal P, Hussain S.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbidity: A review of literature.World J Clin Cases. 2019;7(17):2420-2426. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v7.i17.2420Sprich SE, Knouse LE, Cooper-Vince C, Burbridge J, Safren SA.Description and demonstration of cbt for adhd in adults.Cogn Behav Pract. 2012;17(1):10.1016/j.cbpra.2009.09.002. doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2009.09.002Prevatt F, Yelland S.An empirical evaluation of ADHD coaching in college students.J Atten Disord. 2015;19(8):666-677. doi:10.1177/1087054713480036

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ADHD throughout the years.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Data and statistics about ADHD.

Abdelnour E, Jansen MO, Gold JA.ADHD diagnostic trends: Increased recognition or overdiagnosis?Mo Med. 2022;119(5):467-473.

Kazda L, Bell K, Thomas R, McGeechan K, Sims R, Barratt A.Overdiagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic scoping review.JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(4):e215335. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.5335

Attoe DE, Climie EA. Miss.Diagnosis: A systematic review of ADHD in adult women.J Atten Disord. 2023;27(7):645-657. doi:10.1177/10870547231161533

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Ditrich I, Philipsen A, Matthies S.Borderline personality disorder (Bpd) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Adhd) revisited – a review-update on common grounds and subtle distinctions.Borderline Pers. Disord. Emot. Dysregulation.2021;8(1):22. Doi: 10.1186/s40479-021-00162-w

Gnanavel S, Sharma P, Kaushal P, Hussain S.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbidity: A review of literature.World J Clin Cases. 2019;7(17):2420-2426. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v7.i17.2420

Sprich SE, Knouse LE, Cooper-Vince C, Burbridge J, Safren SA.Description and demonstration of cbt for adhd in adults.Cogn Behav Pract. 2012;17(1):10.1016/j.cbpra.2009.09.002. doi:10.1016/j.cbpra.2009.09.002

Prevatt F, Yelland S.An empirical evaluation of ADHD coaching in college students.J Atten Disord. 2015;19(8):666-677. doi:10.1177/1087054713480036

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