ADHD, once primarily viewed as a childhood disorder, is increasingly recognized among adults, leading to a surge in awareness campaigns and clinics offering diagnoses.

A CDC report indicates that nearly half of the estimated 15.5 million adults in the U.S. with ADHD received their diagnosis in adulthood, reflecting a significant rise in adult diagnoses since the 1990s.

The pandemic has transformed ADHD management, with relaxed DEA regulations facilitating easier access to stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin through telemedicine.

Amidst these discussions, the concept of neurodiversity is gaining traction, emphasizing the unique cognitive differences among individuals with ADHD.

However, concerns have emerged regarding the over-prescription of ADHD medications through telehealth services, particularly with allegations against the company Done for inappropriate prescription practices.

The overlap of symptoms between burnout and ADHD complicates accurate diagnoses, raising debates over whether ADHD is being overdiagnosed or underdiagnosed.

This debate is particularly relevant for marginalized groups, such as African American and Latinx children and women, who are often underdiagnosed.

Social media platforms, especially TikTok, have played a significant role in popularizing ADHD, with billions of views on related hashtags, promoting it as a catch-all explanation for various behaviors.

In response to the rising demand for adult ADHD diagnoses, the National Health Service in Britain has established a new taskforce to manage the influx of requests for treatment.

Currently, about 50% of diagnosed adults utilize telemedicine for ADHD management, although 71.5% of these individuals face challenges with medication refills due to shortages.

Critics argue that online tests and questionnaires used for quick ADHD diagnoses often rely on vague statements, leading to potential misdiagnoses.

ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects brain function and behavior, with symptoms needing to be evident before age 12 for a formal diagnosis.