Why are so many people being diagnosed with ADHD?

A major topic of discussion within the ADHD community right now is the growing number of people being diagnosed with ADHD, as well as the rise in self-diagnosis.

One significant concern is the long waiting lists for diagnoses, especially within the NHS. In the region where I’m based, the waiting time for an ADHD diagnosis is currently up to five years, with some areas experiencing waits as long as eight years. That's an incredibly long time for people to wait for the support they urgently need.

Why is this happening? It’s a question that’s being asked a lot these days. In my opinion, as I shared recently on BBC News (you can watch the interview on my website), one reason for the surge in diagnoses is the increasing awareness of ADHD through platforms like social media.

Although it's important to be cautious about the accuracy of information online, I do believe that spreading awareness can be a positive thing. It helps people recognise the signs of ADHD and encourages them to seek help.

Of course, I always recommend getting a professional diagnosis if possible. However, while you're waiting for one, you don’t need a formal diagnosis to start ADHD coaching. In fact, several studies have shown how effective ADHD coaching can be, so why not give it a try and see how it can help you?