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ADHD diagnoses soar in UK but adults over 65 remain overlooked, study finds
The Independent • • health
Key Points:
- ADHD diagnoses in the UK have increased significantly in recent years, with about 2.5 million people affected and over 683,000 referrals for assessment in 2026, marking a rise of more than 130,000 from the previous year.
- A study by UCL, University of Liverpool, and King's College London found diagnosis rates rose after 2020 across most age groups, especially among boys under 18 and adult women, but remained very low in adults aged 65 and older.
- The research highlighted a substantial gap between recorded ADHD diagnoses (1.19%) and international prevalence estimates (3-5%), with the largest discrepancy in older adults, suggesting many cases remain unrecognized.
- Researchers attribute low diagnosis rates in older adults to historical differences in awareness and access to diagnosis, particularly for those who grew up before ADHD was widely recognized.
- Experts emphasize the importance of improved ADHD recognition and support, noting that undiagnosed ADHD can significantly impact education, work, relationships, and co-existing neurodevelopmental conditions.
