Key Findings from the ADHD 'State of the Nation' Study 2024

A 2024 UK survey of 1,440 adults with ADHD shows that 4 in 10 are experiencing severe difficulties across every area of life. More than 7 in 10 feel primary-care professionals don’t properly understand ADHD, and around 3 in 4 say they’ve faced negative reactions when disclosing their diagnosis. Workplace and educational support are often lacking, and many are bearing the cost of private assessments and treatments. On the positive side, medication and lifestyle tools are helping some - but the message is clear: we must shift to more inclusive, better-resourced care. (Source: ADHD adult UK ‘State of the Nation’ 2024)

Key Findings from the Survey (1,440 adult respondents in the UK):

• 41 % reported severe challenges across all life domains, 30 % moderate challenges (with mental-health issues), and 28 % significant challenges driven by severe mental-health impacts.

• Over 70 % felt that understanding of ADHD in primary care was poor or worse.

• Around 76 % reported receiving negative responses when they disclosed their ADHD – often in personal relationships, at work, or in public settings.

• Key themes from open-ended responses:

  • Long waits and poor support for diagnosis and treatment

  • Lack of workplace/educational support and accommodation

  • Social stigma, misunderstanding and feeling dismissed

  • Co-occurring mental-health conditions (anxiety, depression etc)

  • Cost and inaccessibility of ADHD-specific support resources

• ADHD had major reported impacts on many aspects of life: daily functioning, work, finances, relationships, and health (both mental and physical).

• Some positive findings: many found medication and non-pharmaceutical supports (for example exercise or mindfulness) helpful. The report calls for a holistic approach to ADHD care.

Putting the findings into 5 main points:

1) The Scale of Struggle

“4 in 10 adults with ADHD in the UK are facing severe difficulties across every area of life. Daily tasks, work, relationships, mental health — the impact is wide-ranging and ongoing."

2) Primary Care Gaps

“Over 70% of adults with ADHD say primary-care professionals don’t understand ADHD well enough. People feel dismissed, misunderstood, or unable to get the support they need."

3) Stigma & Negative Reactions

“76% of adults with ADHD have received negative reactions when they disclose their diagnosis. This includes relationships, workplaces and general public interactions."

4) Barriers to Support

“People with ADHD report long waits, poor access to treatment and costly private assessments. Lack of NHS capacity means many are stuck without help or forced to pay privately."

5) What Helps

“Medication and lifestyle tools (like exercise or mindfulness) are helping many adults with ADHD - but they say support needs to be holistic. Care that addresses both symptoms and mental health makes the biggest difference."

I didn't find anything in the study particularly surprising based on my knowledge, experience, and work within the field of ADHD. However, I am always pleased to see more studies being conducted related to ADHD, and to share anything that can help raise awareness and keep people with ADHD more informed on their condition and their options for managing it. If you would like to read the study in full, here is the link: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/news/research-shows-adhd-goes-beyond-core-symptoms-and-needs-holistic-approach?