ADHD October Awareness Month: “It’s More Widespread Than You Think”

ADHD affects around 5-8% of children worldwide and is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in youth. Then there is adult ADHD (continuing from childhood into adulthood) with a less well-known prevalence in the population. And more lately, there is talk about adult-onset ADHD. In New Zealand, approximately 280,000 people have ADHD, but only a small percentage are diagnosed, especially adults, and even fewer of them are being treated.

Treatment is important, as ADHD is one of the strongest factors leading people to use illicit amphetamine use, or drink heavily, or fail their education and end up with a low income. People who received timely pharmacotherapy had an 85% reduction in risk for developing substance use (NZ Drug Foundation report 2024). ADHD hinders careers, as it creates obstacles to the success of people taking up demanding jobs. It is also disproportionately represented in the imprisoned population, as it is one of the drivers of reckless and risky, thrill-seeking behaviour. Untreated ADHD can impact people’s relationships, their employment, and their mental health, as it leads to low self-esteem, negative self-image, anxiety and depression.

While ADHD is often underdiagnosed in adults, it affects all genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups. Historically, more males were diagnosed, but we now know that the male-to-female ratio is likely equal, as females often experience less visible symptoms or they mask them more actively than males do.

ADHD frequently runs in families, with about 25% of children with ADHD having a parent with the condition. 50—70% of children grow out of ADHD by adulthood, though many still experience some symptoms that may not meet diagnostic criteria.