The ADHD boom

A new era of understanding is seeing an increase in the number of women seeking a diagnosis

- ALI HORSFALL

When Nadia Sawalha revealed to Loose Women viewers that W she'd been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), women posted messages of support on social media - many of them sharing that they felt 'seen'.

Nadia (above) made a video about the condition for ITV's daytime show, which saw the 58-year-old make the emotional discovery. An assessment with an ADHD specialist confirmed Nadia had been struggling with symptoms since childhood. Speaking about her 'life-changing diagnosis', she said there was now a reason for the 'chaos I've experienced throughout my life'.

And Nadia isn't alone. In a bid to bust myths about the condition, an increasing number of celebrities are choosing to talk about their midlife diagnoses. This, along with a greater awareness of female ADHD traits, means more women are gaining understanding of their own neurodiversity - after years of being undiagnosed and untreated. Here's what you need to know.

400% The increase in the number of adults seeking an ADHD diagnosis since 2020, according to the ADHD Foundation.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

We've moved on from the stereotype of 'naughty' boys bouncings off walls, but there are still misconceptions surrounding how ADHD affects adults and women specifically. So what are the facts?

'ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that creates difficulties with attention and concentration, restlessness and impulsivity,' explains Dr Jo Steer, clinical psychologist and editor of Understanding ADHD in Girls and Women (£19.99, Jessica Kingsley Publishers). But it's so much more complex than being a fidgeter or the person who loses their keys. 'These difficulties are so significant they interfere with everyday functioning,' she adds.