Latest news with #neurodevelopmental
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Scientists claim to have found a way to discover ADHD by looking at one body part
Unique changes in a particular part of the body could now help reveal signs of ADHD, new research has found. Scientists in South Korea have claimed that characteristics of the back of your eye could show signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects concentration, impulse control and activity levels. Using an AI computer model to predict the condition, the specialist team analysed images of the retina in a study of 323 children and adolescents with ADHD, alongside 323 without it. The model, found to have a 96 per cent accuracy rate, revealed that those with ADHD had key differences in the eye, particularly in the shape and pattern of their blood vessels. Changes such as an increase in the number of blood vessels, thicker vessels, alongside smaller optic discs (controlling how the eyes connect to the brain), were all shown to be indicators of whether or not an individual has ADHD. The eye changes may reflect the brain connectivity changes associated with ADHD given that the retina is closely linked to the brain. The group of specialist researchers, working for the Yonesi University College of Medicine in Seoul, said that their analysis of the retina had 'demonstrated potential as a noninvasive biomarker for ADHD screener'. Using an AI computer model, with a 96 per cent accuracy rate, to predict the condition, the results found that those with ADHD had key differences in the eye, particularly in the shape and pattern of their blood vessels They added: 'Notably, earlier high-accuracy models typically relied on a diverse set of variables, each contributing incrementally to differentiating subjects. 'Our approach simplifies the analysis by focusing exclusively on retinal photographs. This single-source data strategy enhances the clarity and utility of our models'. The new findings, published last month in npj Digital Medicine, could provide a crucial opportunity for a faster and more accurate diagnosis of the condition. Impacting an estimated 2.5million people across England, common symptoms of ADHD include restlessness, distractibility, forgetfulness, difficulty following instructions or managing time, and making impulsive decisions. Reflecting on the importance for a greater recognition of key symptoms, the researchers added: 'Early screening and timely intervention can improve social, familial and academic functioning in individuals with ADHD'. However, despite the significance of the results, the scientists also stressed that it is a preliminary study, with the findings based on a limited sample size and age range (average age of nine years old). The team are now hoping to apply the landmark tests to a larger group across a wider age range, while also accounting for those with disabilities such as autism. It comes as new NHS figures revealed that three and four per cent of adults and five per cent of children and young people have ADHD. Former Bake Off host Sue Perkins, pictured, said learning that she had ADHD made 'everything make sense' It comes as new NHS figures revealed that three and four per cent of adults and five per cent of children and young people have ADHD. This means a total of 2,498,000 people may have the condition, including those without a diagnosis. Of this number, an estimated 741,000 are children and young people aged five to 24. The figures also show that more than 549,000 people in England were waiting for an ADHD assessment at the end of March 2025— up from 416,000 the previous year. Of those currently waiting for an assessment, around 304,000 had been waiting at least a year—and 144,000 for two years or more, as NHS services struggle to keep up with spiraling demand. More than two-thirds (382,000) were aged between five and 24. Public figures such as Katie Price, Love Island's Olivia Atwood, Sheridan Smith and former Bake Off host Sue Perkins have also spoken publicly about their experiences with the condition. Attwood said it caused 'a lot of stress' in her teens, while Price said it explained why she never felt there would be 'consequences' for her actions. Perkins said the diagnosis made 'everything make sense'.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
ADHD symptoms to look for as NHS says staggering number of people in England have disorder
The NHS has shed light on the estimated colossal number of individuals presumed to have ADHD in England. ADHD, short for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is marked by symptoms which disrupt focus and organisation, recognised as a neurodevelopmental disorder. This condition isn't just confined to the young; it can persist into adulthood, where its signs can be subtler and more easily confused. The overlapping nature of ADHD symptoms with other conditions can often lead to misdiagnoses. READ MORE: 'Unpoliceable' parking ban come into force but drivers are still being warned READ MORE: Single mum 'breaks down' after £100 rent hike and says 'it needs to stop' NHS England's current projections indicate that nearly 2.5 million folks in England might be living with ADHD, regardless of whether they've been formally diagnosed or not. For the first time, the public can gauge the potential prevalence of ADHD across the populace, reports the Manchester Evening News. Out of the 2,498,000 individuals believed to have ADHD, around 741,000 are thought to be children and youngsters between five and 24 years old, the data indicates. These numbers spring from calculations made by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), noting an approximate three to four per cent of adults and five per cent of children and youth harbouring the condition. Further, the NHS data points out that over half a million persons (549,000) in England were queued up for an ADHD evaluation as of the end of March 2025 – a significant jump from the 416,000 tallied a year prior at the close of March 2024. Louise Ansari, at the helm of Healthwatch England, refers to these statistics as "a first step in understanding the scale of demand for ADHD care". She remarked: "Our new research highlights that many people with ADHD may simply be going without support. Long waits for assessments are one of the reasons people who show ADHD traits don't seek help, while those waiting for an assessment struggle to navigate the long waits. "While we welcome today's publication, however, there is a way to go to ensure data is comprehensive and robust. A move to official waiting list data in the longer term would give a clearer picture of waiting times, including who is experiencing the longest waits and why." ADHD Symptoms More Nuanced in Adults. Adults with ADHD often exhibit less obvious symptoms compared to children, largely due to the coping strategies they've developed over time. These understated indicators can range from regular forgetfulness to feeling swamped by routine tasks. The NHS lists several symptoms that adults with ADHD might experience: A tendency towards carelessness and overlooking details. Starting new activities before completing ongoing ones. Disorganised. Struggling to concentrate or prioritise. Regularly misplacing items. Forgetfulness. Feeling restless. Frequently speaking out of turn and interrupting conversations. In contrast, children and young people with ADHD might display signs of inattention, such as:. Being easily sidetracked. Difficulty paying attention to others or following directions. Neglecting daily activities, like personal hygiene or dressing. The NHS indicates that they may exhibit signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as:. Possessing high energy levels. Fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet. Speaking loudly. Feeling restless, or rising and moving about when they're expected to remain seated. Struggling to wait their turn, or intruding on conversations. ADHD can also be misinterpreted for typical mental health issues. Individuals with ADHD may also be more prone to anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. The NHS recommends consulting your GP if you suspect you might have ADHD. They may refer you for a specialist evaluation.
The Independent
6 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Almost 2.5m people in England likely to have ADHD, data shows
Almost 2.5 million people in England are likely to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), figures suggest. It is the first time an estimate has been made publicly available of how common the condition may be among the population. ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder and people with the condition may have trouble concentrating or sitting still. Other symptoms include being easily distracted, forgetfulness, finding it hard to follow instructions or organise time, and making impulsive decisions. According to NHS England, a total of 2,498,000 people may have ADHD, including those without a diagnosis. Of this number, an estimated 741,000 are children and young people aged five to 24. The figures were developed using estimates from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), which suggests that around 3-4% of adults and 5% of children and young people have ADHD. While ADHD is not usually diagnosed in children under five – as some traits can be part of typical development – 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. Some 147,000 under-fives are likely to have ADHD, according to the NHS estimates. The figures also suggest that more than half a million people (549,000) in England were waiting for an ADHD assessment at the end of March 2025. This is up from 416,000 a year earlier at the end of March 2024. Of the 549,000 likely to be waiting for ADHD assessment in March this year, some 304,000 had been waiting at least a year while 144,000 had been waiting at least two years. More than two-thirds (382,000) were aged between five and 24. Louise Ansari, chief executive at Healthwatch England, said the figures are 'a first step in understanding the scale of demand for ADHD care'. 'Our new research highlights that many people with ADHD may simply be going without support,' she added. 'Long waits for assessments are one of the reasons people who show ADHD traits don't seek help, while those waiting for an assessment struggle to navigate the long waits. 'While we welcome today's publication, however, there is a way to go to ensure data is comprehensive and robust. 'A move to official waiting list data in the longer term would give a clearer picture of waiting times, including who is experiencing the longest waits and why.' Estimates of how many adults in England are likely to be waiting for ADHD assessments is available dating back to 2019. They show the the number of people aged 25 and over who were waiting at the end of March was 165,000, more than 10 times the pre-pandemic figure of 16,000 at the end of December 2019. Comparable data for children and young adults is available only for the most recent 12 months and shows the number rose from an estimated 285,000 at the end of March 2024 to 384,000 at the end of March this year. Pippa Sargent, chief executive of The Brain Charity, said: 'It's a hugely positive step that more people are coming forward for ADHD assessments. This shows increasing awareness, self-advocacy and a shift in how society understands neurodiversity. 'It is important to remember that, despite its challenges, the condition brings with it many strengths that should be celebrated. 'But with up to 549,000 people now waiting, the scale of unmet need is alarming. Without urgent investment in diagnostic services and ongoing support, too many are being left to struggle alone.' An NHS spokesperson said: ' Patients are waiting too long for an ADHD assessment and diagnosis and that's why the NHS launched an independent taskforce to investigate the challenges facing services and help them manage the rising numbers of referrals, with support from across society. 'The ADHD taskforce will assess these important new figures and the best available evidence to inform its recommendations, bringing together those with lived experience and experts across a range of sectors to help find long-term solutions for patients.'
The Guardian
6 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Up to 2.5 million people in England could have ADHD, says NHS
ADHD campaigners have accused the NHS of presiding over a 'widely failing system' as it emerged that as many as 2.5 million people in England could have the condition, with more than one in five waiting for an assessment. According to the first figures of their kind published by the health service, 3-4% of adults, and 5% of children and young people, in the country have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There are 549,000 people in England awaiting an ADHD assessment, according to the figures, which were produced using estimates from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), and 144,000 of these have been waiting for about two years. The numbers are the first time an estimate has been made publicly available of how common the condition may be among the population. Of the 2.5 million people estimated to have ADHD across England, more than a third (741,000) are children. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with symptoms including impulsiveness, disorganisation and difficulty focusing. Previous research has found that prescriptions for ADHD medications have risen 18% year-on-year since the pandemic, increasing from about 25 per 1,000 people in 2019/20, to 42 per 1,000 in 2023/24. The analysis also found a strong association between factors such as ethnicity and deprivation and ADHD prescription rates. The researchers said south-east England and north-west England, which have significant white populations, show higher prescription counts overall compared with more ethnically diverse regions like the Midlands and London. Henry Shelford, the chief executive of ADHD UK, said that the NHS is currently presiding over a 'wildly failing system' for the condition. 'At ADHD UK we did this same population analysis years ago and arrived at similar numbers,' he said. 'While it is great to see NHS England catching up, we need to note that Nice first published guidelines for ADHD in the year 2000. For NHS England to take 25 years to create any population estimate is an expression of their abject failure to properly manage and resource ADHD. That failure has meant ruined lives, wrecked families, and lost lives. Shelford added: 'Worse still, ADHD assessment and support is being excluded, and squeezed, by the government's NHS improvement schemes. ADHD is excluded from the government's 18-week waiting list target. ADHD is not counted towards, so excluded from, the required expansion of mental health services in the NHS. NHS England has finally twigged that there are over 2 million of us. It now needs to mandate every area to have an NHS ADHD service that fits our need and numbers.' Louise Ansari, chief executive of Healthwatch England, said the figures were 'a first step in understanding the scale of demand for ADHD care'. 'Our new research highlights that many people with ADHD may simply be going without support,' she said. 'Long waits for assessments are one of the reasons people who show ADHD traits don't seek help, while those waiting for an assessment struggle to navigate the long waits. 'While we welcome today's publication, however, there is a way to go to ensure data is comprehensive and robust. A move to official waiting list data in the longer term would give a clearer picture of waiting times, including who is experiencing the longest waits and why.' NHS England has been approached for comment.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
The shocking number of people who now have ADHD, revealed for the first time in official NHS figures
An estimated 2.5 million people in England are now living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to new NHS analysis Doctors have raised concerns in recent years about a surge in diagnoses—but this marks the first official estimate of how widespread the condition may be. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects concentration, impulse control and activity levels. Common symptoms include restlessness, distractibility, forgetfulness, difficulty following instructions or managing time, and making impulsive decisions. The new figures, published today by NHS England, were developed using data from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). These suggest that three and four per cent of adults and five per cent of children and young people have ADHD. This means a total of 2,498,000 people may have the condition, including those without a diagnosis. Of this number, an estimated 741,000 are children and young people aged five to 24. While ADHD is rarely diagnosed in children under five—as many symptoms can mirror typical development—NHS estimates suggest around 147,000 in this age group are likely to have the condition, offering insight into future diagnosis rates. The figures also show that more than 549,000 people in England were waiting for an ADHD assessment at the end of March 2025—up from 416,000 the previous year. Of those currently waiting for an assessment, around 304,000 had been waiting at least a year—and 144,000 for two years or more, as NHS services struggle to keep up with spiraling demand. More than two-thirds (382,000) were aged between five and 24. Louise Ansari, chief executive at Healthwatch England, said the figures are 'a first step in understanding the scale of demand for ADHD care'. She added: 'Our new research highlights that many people with ADHD may simply be going without support. 'Long waits for assessments are one of the reasons people who show ADHD traits don't seek help, while those waiting for an assessment struggle to navigate the long waits.' Ms Ansari also said it was important to build a 'clearer picture' of 'who is experiencing the longest waits and why'. Last year a MailOnline investigation revealed that doctors were dishing out powerful ADHD drugs at 10-times the rate in some parts of England than others. NHS data shows as many as one in 100 people in some areas are taking ADHD medications, compared to just one in 1,000 in nearby regions. Commenting on the findings, experts warned of over-diagnosis and 'mass-prescribing' could be putting public health at risk. University College London psychiatrist Professor Joanna Moncrieff, a vocal critic of medication overuse, said ADHD diagnosis is 'incredibly subjective'. 'One psychiatrist may think almost everyone has it, while another thinks very few do,' she said. 'We all have ADHD symptoms to some extent.' She added that private clinics are often quicker to diagnose than the NHS, making a diagnosis more likely in the independent sector. Professor Moncrieff said patients were increasingly demanding an ADHD diagnosis as the 'answer' to problems they are experiencing in areas like their work. 'This concept of ADHD has got out there and everyone is reinterpreting their difficulties in the light this new idea, 'I'm not bored and don't like my job, I have ADHD',' she said. 'Stimulants make people feel good, they make them feel confident, they make people feel a little bit euphoric, energetic, so of course people are going to be rating themselves as doing better.' Rising interest in ADHD is thought to be fuelled in part by celebrities sharing their diagnoses — including Katie Price, Love Island's Olivia Attwood, Sheridan Smith and former Bake Off host Sue Perkins. Attwood said it caused 'a lot of stress' in her teens, while Price said it explained why she never felt there would be 'consequences' for her actions. Perkins said the diagnosis made 'everything make sense'. Social media has also been blamed, with users praising ADHD meds for calming them and boosting focus. NHS prescriptions have doubled in six years to 230,000, with the sharpest rise—nearly 60 per cent in a year—among women in their late 20s and early 30s. Use among 25 to 39-year-olds has increased five-fold since 2015. In response, NHS England launched a taskforce to assess the scale of the condition. ADHD is also behind a surge in disability benefit claims. One in five now relate to behavioural conditions, with over 52,000 adults—mostly aged 16 to 29—listing ADHD as their main condition.
