Formal diagnoses of ADHD in Britain hit 800,000
More than 800,000 people in England have been formally diagnosed with ADHD, new NHS data shows.
The NHS has released figures for the first time showing the number of people with the condition, amid a surge in demand for services over the past five years.
They analysed GP records, finding that 0.8 per cent of adults and 2.3 per cent of children and young people now have a formal diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) , equivalent to approximately 820,000 people.
The number of people prescribed medication on the NHS for ADHD has tripled over the past decade, and a rise in diagnoses is heaping pressure on the benefits system.
However, the NHS said that, overall, the condition remained 'underdiagnosed', as an estimated 2.5 million people in England are likely to have ADHD. Currently more than half a million are on NHS waiting lists for an assessment.
ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder which means people may have difficulty concentrating or sitting still.
The NHS estimates about 3 to 4 per cent of adults and 5 per cent of children and young people have the condition. It is estimated that 741,000 of the total are children and young people between the ages of five and 24, and some 147,000 are under five.
ADHD is not usually diagnosed in children under five as some traits can be part of typical development. However, prevalence in youngsters aged four and under have been calculated to give an insight into how many may go on to be diagnosed in the future.
At the end of March, 549,000 people were waiting to be assessed, compared with 416,000 the year before.
The figures were developed using estimates from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Symptoms of ADHD are related to a person's ability to pay attention, control impulses and having high energy levels. Most people will have more than one symptom.
• Surge in ADHD diagnoses attributed to TikTok
Signs include being easily distracted, finding it hard to organise time, interrupting conversations and making quick decisions without thinking about what might happen as a result. Symptoms usually start before the age of 12.
According to the NHS, ADHD can be managed through lifestyle changes, changes at work or medication, depending on the person's symptoms.
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