ADHD (over) diagnosis: fiction, fashion and failure
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Authors
Samuele Cortese
David Daley
Chris Hollis
Sarah Rae
Cornelius Ani
Philip Asherson
Johnny Downs
Bernadka Dubicka
David Foreman
J. Green
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Issue Date
06/03/2026
Type
Journal article
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Keywords
Mental Health
Alternative Title
Abstract
When thoroughly assessed, the prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children/adolescents is estimated at 5%. There is no evidence that ADHD is over-diagnosed in the UK. Indeed, available data point to under-diagnosis, even though rigorous updated post-COVID-19 pandemic data are not available. Some cases may be misdiagnosed due to low-quality assessment, poor adherence to national guidance or inappropriate differential diagnosis. Beyond the controversy around over- or under-diagnosis and over-medicalisation of ordinary behaviours or emotions, the main issue is that UK clinical services cannot adequately support individuals with ADHD who need help. There is a risk that the narrative claiming 'ADHD is over-diagnosed' could be used to deny people with properly-diagnosed ADHD the care they deserve.
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Citation
Cortese, S. et al. (2026) ‘ADHD (over) diagnosis: fiction, fashion and failure’, The British Journal of Psychiatry, pp. 1–4. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2026.10546.
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The British Journal of Psychiatry