What's BEHIND the rise in adult ADHD?

It's a phenomenon that's impacting more and more women in midlife. We ask...

- TANYA PEAREY

There has been an explosion of Attention Deficit T Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) diagnoses that have been shared on social media. The charity ADHD Foundation reports a 400% increase in the number of adults seeking assessment since 2020.

The rise was triggered in part by the anxiety and lack of routine during lockdown amidst the recent COVID-19 health pandemic, which exacerbated symptoms for many.

The cause of the neurodevelopmental condition isn't known, although it can run in families. The main symptoms include difficulty concentrating, compulsive behaviour, hyperactivity and poor organisational skills. In the past, it has been linked predominantly to boys, most of whom were disruptive at school, while among adults, three times as many men as women are diagnosed with ADHD.