Why the narrative “ADHD is over-diagnosed” is unhelpful and how therapy can help
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition and is characterised by three main features; inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. However, it is becoming increasingly recognised by clinicians that people with ADHD may also experience difficulties with emotional regulation and executive function. It is not being “lazy”or lacking intelligence and it is not caused by “bad parenting” or “too much screen time”.
The increasing demand for ADHD assessments
ADHD has been historically underdiagnosed and the increase in people seeking an assessment reflects a better recognition of a condition that is long existing. There are several converging factors for this:
Better awareness and reduced stigma
ADHD is spoken about on social media, podcasts, online forums etc. Not only has this increased our awareness of symptoms and how they may present, but it has led to ADHD becoming less of a taboo topic.
Improved diagnostic understanding
Diagnostic criteria and clinician training is now more reflective of how ADHD presents across people of all ages. In particular, there have been improvements in understanding ADHD symptoms in women as typically, ADHD is less recognised in women than men. Females tend to exhibit more inattentive symptoms, internal restlessness and emotional overwhelm which historically have been overlooked or misunderstood. There have also been advances in the cultural differences of ADHD symptoms.
The impact of modern life
Some people may have found that their ADHD traits were manageable but noticed that over time, they are becoming increasingly harder to compensate for. This could be due the increasing modern day demands of sustained attention, multi-tasking and self-management.
Taken together, the above, along with other factors has meant that our awareness and diagnostic tools have developed to better understand ADHD, particularly among women and girls which has led to an increase in people seeking an assessment.
Increasing awareness of ADHD does not mean it is being “over-diagnosed”
You may have heard people day to day, on social media and in the news responding with scepticism to the increasing demand for ADHD assessments. Even saying phrases such as “isn’t everyone ADHD now?”. These comments and the narrative of ADHD being over-diagnosed is unhelpful and dismissive. It also shifts the narrative away from the reality that there is currently a massive unmet need and that children and adults are waiting years for assessments and support. This prevents discussion and action toward improving education, work and services to be more inclusive, leading to people being excluded and ostracised meaning that they are left to struggle without support.
How therapy can help
You have a right to seek support. In light of the above, you may be feeling dismissed or invalidated in your experiences which can exacerbate existing mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression and impact self-esteem. Whether you have an ADHD diagnosis, are considering having an assessment or identify with ADHD traits, therapy can give you a space to feel heard and help you understand patterns of coping and thinking. You can learn new practical coping skills for difficulties such as time management and procrastination and techniques to help you approach difficult thoughts and feelings with acceptance and compassion. These are proven tools to reduce shame and burnout.
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