ADHD diagnosis soars in Britain, with many older people still missed

Illustration (Tara Winstead/Pexels)

JAKARTA - ADHD diagnosis in the UK has increased sharply in recent years. However, a new study found that adults over 65 are still much less likely to be diagnosed.

Based on a report by The Independent, quoted Tuesday, June 16, about 2.5 million people in the UK have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect a person's attention, impulse control, and activity levels.

NHS data published in March 2026 showed 683,088 people had been referred for an ADHD assessment. That was up more than 130,000 on the previous year.

The study, led by researchers from University College London, the University of Liverpool, and King's College London, found new diagnoses of ADHD increased after 2020 in most age groups.

The highest number was found in boys under 18 years of age. In adults, the most notable increase was in women. However, diagnosis in people aged 65 years and over remains very low.

The lead author of the study, Dr. Amber John, said the low diagnosis rate in the elderly does not automatically mean that ADHD is rare in that group.

"Rather, it may reflect historical differences in the recognition and access to diagnosis, especially in generations who grew up before ADHD was widely known," said John.

Still according to The Independent's report, a study published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe found that 1.19 percent of people in the UK had an ADHD diagnosis in primary health care records.

However, this figure is still lower than international estimates of the prevalence of ADHD, which usually ranges from 3 to 5 percent.

The largest gap is seen in the elderly. Only 0.05 percent of men and women over 65 years old are recorded to have been diagnosed with ADHD.

Researchers used data from more than 3.5 million people registered at general practitioner practices in the UK in 2025. They also used data from more than 42 million patients in the UK to look at trends in ADHD diagnoses from 2000 to 2024.

"When we compared the recorded diagnosis of ADHD with estimates of how common ADHD is in the population, we found a large gap in each age group," said Dr Gavin Stewart of King's College London.

"This gap is very large in the elderly, suggesting many people may never be recognized," he said.

Dr Angela Hind, Chief Executive of the Medical Research Foundation, said ADHD can affect many aspects of life, from education, work, to social relationships. ADHD also often appears along with other neurological developmental conditions.

"When undiagnosed or unsupported, people can spend years without understanding the challenges they face," Hind said.

"We are proud to support research that will help strengthen ADHD services and ensure more children and adults get the recognition and help they need," he said.