ADHD awareness month 2025

ADHD Awareness Month is celebrated every October in recognition of individuals with ADHD, otherwise known as ADHDers, with a key focus on educating the public about ADHD based on scientific and peer-reviewed research. And sure, we’re all aware of ADHD, right? Whether it be your desk-mate at work, a person in your spin class, a friend, or even yourself, there’s a good chance you know an ADHDer. But just how aware are we of ADHD? How much do we know about ADHD in this present day and age? Let’s explore 4 hot topic questions that get straight to the facts with ADHD!

Why is ADHD so common?

While ADHD is a commonly acknowledged and increasingly accepted profile of neurodiversity, the current ADHD prevalence may be less than you think. Research estimates that 1 in 17 to 50 adults globally have a diagnosis of ADHD[1],with Australian studies estimating this number to be closer to 1 in 10 to 17 children and adolescents (6-10%)[2].While no studies have evaluated the prevalence of adult ADHD in Australia specifically, it is believed to sit around the same level as the current global estimate i.e., 2-6% of the population[3].

Don’t people grow out of ADHD?

The short answer is, no! People don’t grow out of ADHD, however some people’s ADHD traits can appear differently in adolescence or adulthood. One key reason why ADHD traits may appear less visible to others (or even a person themselves) is the variability in presentation withADHD traits across the lifespan – that is, how the same ADHD trait can look differently at different points of someone’s life. For example, someone may have been a very active and energetic child growing up, later expressing their movement needs more discreetly as a teenager by bouncing their leg or chewing on their pen. Additionally, ADHD traits can sometimes appear less pronounced when a person receives support for their ADHD – not because the ADHD has gone away, but rather because their needs have been accommodated.

Isn’t everyone “just a little ADHD”?

Well, yes and no. We are all “a little ADHD” in that ADHD traits – both strengths and challenges – are human traits, that all humans have to varying degrees. What makes ADHD a diagnostically distinct profile, however, is the intensity (how many different traits), frequency (how often these occur) and functional impact (how much these affect or limit someone). To help us measure this more reliably, we use a specific set of criteria that is listed in a clinical handbook called the Diagnostic andStatistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM – now at the 5^th edition, text revision). In other words, anyone can have ADHD traits, but not everyone is an ADHDer!

Why is there all this talk about ADHD being over-diagnosed?

Recent media coverage has put the rise of ADHD diagnoses in the spotlight due to the demand and popularity of people seeking to be assessed for ADHD. While some professionals have asserted that ADHD is over-diagnosed, many other clinicians have argued that these higher diagnostic rates can be better attributed to factors such as an increase in people’s awareness of ADHD, improved access to assessment, and greater social acceptance of neurodiversity. Additionally, many more people these days are seeking assessment for ADHD during stages of their life where the impact of their traits is more moderate or when they are performing at a “high functioning” level, rather than waiting until they are at the point of acute distress and burnout[4].

Where can I find out more about ADHD?

For more information about ADHD, including frequently asked questions, make sure to check out the ADHD Awareness website this October: https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/

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[1] Thomas,R., Sanders, S., Doust, J., Beller, E., & Glasziou, P. (2015). Prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatrics, 135(4), e994-e1001.

[2]Lawrence, D., Johnson, S., Hafekost, J., Boterhoven de Haan,K., Sawyer, M., Ainley, J., & Zubrick, S. R. (2015). The mental health of children and adolescents: Report on the second Australian child and adolescent survey of mental health and wellbeing. Commonwealth Government of Australia,Canberra.

[3] Song, P.,Zha, M., Yang, Q., Zhang, Y., Li, X., & Rudan, I. (2021). The prevalence of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A global systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of global health, 11, 04009.

[4] Matheiken, S., Erden, M., Krishnadas, R., & da Costa, M. P. (2024). Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: time for a rethink?. BJPsychAdvances, 30(5), 298-302.

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