West Yorkshire ADHD support group says there's more understanding around the condition
A report has found the number of people with ADHD probably isn't increasing "that much" - despite a rise in the number of those being assessed for the condition
The number of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) "probably isn't increasing that much", researchers have suggested, despite a "marked uptick" in people seeking assessment for the condition.
Experts said that while there has been a rise in people being diagnosed with ADHD in the UK, the exact number is "still probably lower than the best estimates" of the true number who have the condition.
An increase in patients seeking assessments could possibly be down to greater awareness and less stigma, or disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Researchers also suggest spending a lot of time online could be creating a "distracted generation", but that it is too early to draw conclusions.
And while there is a link between social media and ADHD symptoms it is unclear "what's driving what".
Meanwhile, the CEO of a support group in West Yorkshire said awareness helps to point to better "recognition".
Corinne Hunter from the West Yorkshire ADHD Support Group said: "I don't think, and this is what the report is saying as well, I don't think it necessarily points to more people having ADHD, but it I think it points to better recognition.
"More understanding of how ADHD can present, particularly in women, or children who are very good at masking."
ADHD assessments are reported to be increasingly in demand, researchers said, which is putting a strain on health and education systems across the world.
The Leeds Adult ADHD Service is currently closed to non-urgent new referrals.
It closed in October last year, and the decision was made to address high demand and an unsustainable waiting list, with a current wait time of over 10 years for new referrals.
The Leeds and York NHS Partnership Trust said: "The Leeds Adult ADHD Service temporarily closed to non-urgent new referrals from 11 October 2024. We are continuing to work with partners to address extremely high levels of demand and an unsustainably long waiting list.
"We're working specifically with the Leeds GP Confederation who are providing a care navigator service to people currently on the waiting list. This helps them access alternative support whilst they wait for a formal assessment.