How common is ADHD?

If I had to assign a word to how I feel about my ADHD diagnosis, it would be “affirmed.” Psychologists talk about the dangers of self-diagnosis, mainly because there is so much overlap with mental illnesses. I approached my symptoms with an abundance of caution and was able to make the correct conclusion about what disorder I was struggling with. So it just reassured me that I am the expert of my own experiences.

ADHD, or attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, is more common than you might think. It’s one of the most common mental health conditions among children. And the number of adults diagnosed with ADHD has doubled within the last decade. [1] Most of the information in this article is from a 2016 study about the prevalence of ADHD. This means how common ADHD diagnosis and treatment are in children and adults.

How common is ADHD in children and teens?

If you or someone you know lives with ADHD, then you are not alone. About 129 million children worldwide have ADHD. In the United States in 2016: [2]

• Nearly 1 in 10 children in the U.S. or about 6.1 million children ages 2-17 or have ever been diagnosed with ADHD
• 77% of children with a current ADHD diagnosis were receiving treatment—medication, behavioral treatment, or a combination of both. [3]

• 2 out of 3 children living with ADHD had a co-occurring condition such as anxiety, depression, or other mental health or behavioral conditions.

• Most children diagnosed with ADHD have mild ADHD.

How common is ADHD in adults?

If you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, then you are in good company. Worldwide it’s estimated that 2.8% of adults live with ADHD. In the U.S., it’s estimated that 2.5% to 4.4% of adults live with ADHD. [1] But this number is increasing. In the United States alone:

• ADHD diagnoses among adults are rising 4 times faster than ADHD diagnoses among children.
• Many adults who have ADHD are underdiagnosed compared to children who have ADHD.
• In adults, ADHD often co-occurs with other mental health conditions—such as personality disorders, addiction, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder—that can mask symptoms of ADHD.
• It’s estimated that fewer than 20% of adults living with ADHD are diagnosed or receiving treatment. [1]

ADHD in children and adults by gender

People of any gender can be diagnosed with ADHD. Based on available research and data, there are prevalence trends in girls, boys, men, and women. In children, boys are more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis than girls. This is partly because girls are more likely to have inattentive-type ADHD. This type is less visible and often doesn’t match stereotypes of ADHD like hyperactive/impulsive type does. It’s also estimated that many girls with ADHD are undiagnosed due to bias in the ADHD diagnosis process. [1]

In the U.S., the percentages of girls and boys ages 2-17 living with ADHD were: [1]

ADHD in children and adults by race

ADHD can impact children of any race/ ethnic group. But due to bias in ADHD diagnosis, white boys are more likely to be diagnosed and treated for ADHD. Even if girls and/or children of color are showing symptoms, they are less likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis. Black children with ADHD often face stereotypes that lead to underdiagnoses and misdiagnoses. Their behavior is often interpreted as laziness or defiance instead of ADHD symptoms.

The chart below shows the prevalence of ADHD in children by race: [2]

In adults, the number of people diagnosed with ADHD has increased significantly over time. In the U.S, all ADHD diagnosis rates more than doubled across all race/ethnic groups in a single decade. [1]

Adults of color face the same racial disparities that children of color with ADHD do. This includes bias among mental health professionals and barriers in accessing care. All this leads to underdiagnoses, misdiagnoses, and inequity in ADHD treatment. These difficulties can impact critical areas in life like school, careers, and relationships. [5]

Living with ADHD

Living with ADHD can be a challenge, but it’s not one that you have to face alone. Millions of people worldwide have ADHD, and there are many resources, strategies, and treatment plans that can help. If you think that you may have ADHD, consider taking our ADHD test. You can also check out Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). This organization provides resources and support.

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