Are more people actually developing ADHD, or are we just diagnosing it more?

The rise in ADHD diagnoses is largely thought to reflect improved recognition and changing diagnostic practices rather than a sudden surge in the number of people actually developing the disorder. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood, so the prevalence of new cases in the population is relatively stable. What has changed is awareness: parents, teachers, and clinicians are now more attuned to the signs of ADHD, including subtler inattentive symptoms that were historically overlooked, especially in girls and women. Additionally, diagnostic criteria have evolved over time, expanding the understanding of what counts as ADHD and allowing more adults and children with previously unrecognized symptoms to receive a diagnosis. While environmental factors like increased screen time, academic pressures, or social complexity may play a role in highlighting symptoms, the majority of evidence suggests that the apparent rise is driven by better detection and recognition rather than new ADHD cases.