Experts Refute Claims of ADHD Overdiagnosis

Researchers say unmet need for assessment and treatment remains a pressing concern.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A group of experts, including academics, clinicians, people with lived experience, and caregivers, have published a paper in the British Journal of Psychiatry refuting the view that ADHD is being over-diagnosed in the UK. They argue that while more people with ADHD are being recognized and treated, many more are still waiting too long for assessment, support, and treatment, and that under-diagnosis and under-treatment remain the predominant challenges.

Why it matters

The narrative of ADHD overdiagnosis, which has been amplified by some leading politicians, risks misleading the public and policymakers and overshadowing the more pressing concern of unmet need for ADHD assessment and treatment. Untreated ADHD is associated with serious long-term risks, including academic failure, suicidal behavior, substance abuse, criminality, injury, and death.

The details

The experts state that when standardized diagnostic criteria are applied, the prevalence of ADHD is around 5% in children and 3% in adults. However, NHS administrative data in England remains substantially below these expected levels, suggesting that many people with ADHD are living without a diagnosis and adequate support. They acknowledge that misdiagnosis can occur in some cases, particularly where assessments rely heavily on self-reporting or where alternative conditions are not fully considered. The researchers stress that thorough, multidisciplinary clinical assessment is essential, as ADHD symptoms are distributed along a continuum, and there are diagnostic severity thresholds that determine health risks and appropriate interventions.

  • The paper was published on March 6, 2026.

The players

Tamsin Ford

Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge and senior co-author on the paper.

Samuele Cortese

Professor at the University of Southampton and the study's first author.

Chris Hollis

Professor at the University of Nottingham and a co-author on the paper.

Cambridge Children's Hospital

An institution that aims to fully integrate physical and mental healthcare, including detecting and treating neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD in children who also have physical health needs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While many more people with ADHD are being recognised and treated, we are failing to support many more. Overdiagnosis is not a problem, but misdiagnosis may be as people are driven into the private sector by long waits; and sadly, missed diagnoses remain common.”

— Tamsin Ford, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge (Mirage News)

“Rather than focusing on increases or decreases in diagnostic rates, attention should be directed toward the extent to which those with ADHD are being adequately diagnosed and treated.”

— Samuele Cortese, Professor at the University of Southampton (Mirage News)

“Similar to physiological traits, such as blood pressure or weight, ADHD symptoms are distributed along a continuum. But as with hypertension or obesity, there are diagnostic severity thresholds that determine health risks and what interventions should be used.”

— Chris Hollis, Professor at the University of Nottingham (Mirage News)

What’s next

The authors call for improved funding, workforce training, and a more balanced, evidence-based conversation to ensure accurate diagnosis while expanding access to care for those who need it.

The takeaway

This study highlights the need to shift the focus from the perceived overdiagnosis of ADHD to addressing the significant unmet need for assessment, support, and treatment, which can have serious long-term consequences for those affected. Improving access to quality, multidisciplinary ADHD care is crucial to support those living with the condition.