The Percent Of People With ADHD: What Is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson, MA, LCSW

Updated November 1, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) seems to have gotten more attention from the media in the 2020s, with more people starting to receive resources for diagnosis and support. Because of this increase in representation, some people may be wondering what percentage of people in the US and worldwide have ADHD. Understanding these statistics may offer a sense of being less alone and could show areas where stigma may be contributing to disparities in diagnosis and support options. If you’re seeking professional support, reaching out to a therapist in your local area or online may be a place to start.

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What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is usually defined as a neurodevelopmental condition and form of neurodivergence. ADHD typically causes symptoms related to inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

There are three subtypes of ADHD listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), including the following:

Primarily inattentive ADHD (ADHD-PI)
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD (ADHD-HI)
Combined type ADHD

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) used to be a diagnosis in the DSM-III and DSM-IV, but has since been replaced with ADHD-PI, which tends to involve similar symptoms.

Primarily inattentive ADHD

According to the DSM-5, the diagnostic criteria for primarily inattentive ADHD can include the following:

Difficulty paying close attention to details
A tendency to make seemingly careless mistakes
Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks
Having trouble listening when spoken to directly
Struggling to follow through with and finish tasks, usually due to lack of focus or distraction
Challenges with organization
Avoiding projects that require sustained focus
Losing necessary items
Being easily distracted
Experiencing frequent forgetfulness

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD

Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD may include the following:

Restlessness, often involving fidgeting behaviors and difficulty sitting still
Having trouble with quietly taking part in activities
Seeming to always be “on the go”
Talking too much or too loudly
A tendency to interrupt or intrude on others
Challenges with waiting one’s turn

Combined type ADHD

Combined type ADHD can include symptoms from both of the categories discussed above. In general, to receive an official diagnosis, the following must be true:

All symptoms have been present since before age 12.
Symptoms must have been present for at least six months.
Symptoms must be inconsistent with an individual’s developmental level.
Symptoms must impact daily functioning.
Symptoms cannot stem from other mental or physical health conditions, and they cannot be caused by substance use.

Understanding neurodiversity and mental health

Neurodiversity can be thought of as a theory that certain mental health conditions or neurodevelopmental conditions, like attention disorders, are simply differences in cognitive, sensory, and emotional processing and ability, not necessarily “diseases.”

Neurodiversity can showcase how conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, and others do not have a “cure,” but can instead be seen as different ways of being.

Percent of people with ADHD and neurodiversity

Studies generally back up the theory of neurodiversity. For example, a 2019 study found that Autistic adults tend to communicate with other Autistic adults with the same level of effectiveness as neurotypical individuals communicate with each other. The term “neurotypical” generally refers to someone who meets “typical” or socially expected behavior, cognition, and socialization expectations.

Neurodiversity may also highlight the strengths of people with these mental health conditions. For example, people with ADHD may have a heightened ability to be creative and focus on their passions. In addition, they may have unique ways of solving problems and seeing the world because of ADHD.

Anyone who thinks they may be living with one of these neurodivergent conditions may identify with neurodiversity. However, not everyone with ADHD may find that this model fits their perception of themselves. The neurodiversity movement generally accepts that each person has free will to identify in a way that makes them comfortable, whether using person-first or identity-first language. In addition, some people with ADHD may not see their condition as a disability, whereas others might. Either way, options are available for support and guidance in daily life.

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How many people have ADHD? The percentage of people with ADHD

In the United States, it is estimated that 8.1% of adults may live with ADHD.

It’s reported that 129 million children and adolescents worldwide are diagnosed with the condition, whereas 366 million adults are diagnosed. Rates of ADHD diagnoses seem to be increasing, potentially due to more coverage of the condition in the media, as well as more positive representation of neurodiversity being provided by influencers.

Breaking down the percent of people with ADHD

Some diagnostic barriers and disparities may remain, and the percentages of ADHD may not reflect certain communities accurately. Marginalized communities tend to be less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and access support services.

For example, Black and Indigenous people and people of color (BIPOC individuals) may have difficulty finding diagnostic options and can be more likely to be diagnosed with conduct disorder, although peer review of this information may be necessary. Hispanic children may also have a higher risk of not receiving support.

ADHD diagnosis in women and girls

Women and girls are usually less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, potentially due to societal stigmas and a lack of research on the presentation of symptoms in this population. Adult women who realize they might be living with ADHD may also have a difficult time receiving a diagnosis, as ADHD is often studied in young boys, and women may face stigma when seeking support.

ADHD population statistics

Below are some other ADHD population statistics that may be helpful when looking to understand this condition:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), six out of 10 US children with ADHD may also live with another mental illness. The most common comorbidities typically include anxiety, depression, and autism.
Mississippi may be the state with the highest prevalence of ADHD in children at 14.4%, whereas California seems to have the lowest rate of children diagnosed with ADHD at 5.3%.
Approximately 3.3 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 are diagnosed with ADHD in the US.

Adults with ADHD and neurodiversity support options

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with ADHD, or if you suspect you may be neurodivergent and are experiencing challenges in daily life, there are a few support options you might explore.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication

ADHD medication can sometimes reduce disruptive symptoms that may make it difficult to function at home, work, or school. These medications might decrease distraction and hyperactivity or relieve anxiety.

If you’re interested in this ADHD treatment option, it can be helpful to talk to your doctor about medications that may be helpful for you. In addition, always consult your doctor or psychiatrist before starting, changing, or stopping a medication for any condition. The information in this article is not a replacement for medical advice or an ADHD diagnosis.

Lifestyle changes and accommodations

In some cases, creating accommodations for your unique brain can be a way to improve daily life in a world that is often focused only on neurotypical functioning. Ways you might make accommodations for yourself at home could include the following:

Putting clean clothes in organized bins instead of folding or hanging them
Having a snack cart with healthy snacks that are quick and easy to eat or putting multiple snack carts around the house to remind yourself to eat
Prepping meals at the start of the week so you have them ready when you’re stressed after a busy day
Having a bin near the door for your wallet, keys, and other necessities
Using an assisted-reading device that can read your school assignments or work instructions to you out loud
Leaving brushless toothpaste capsules near your bed or keeping a toothbrush at every sink in the house to remind yourself to brush your teeth when you see it

Lifestyle changes that might be beneficial could include eating nutritious meals, exercising more frequently, spending time in nature, creating art, and playing music.

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Therapy

Therapy and other behavioral treatment services may also be helpful resources for individuals with neurodivergent brains struggling to manage daily life. You can receive personalized advice, accommodations, and support unique to your situation by talking to a therapist. However, some people with ADHD may avoid reaching out for support due to difficulty making appointments or organizing a schedule.

Online therapy for mental health support

In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be beneficial. With an online platform, you can schedule sessions that fit into your routine, including outside of standard business hours. In addition, you can choose between phone, video, and live chat sessions, giving you more control over how you receive support.

Studies generally support the effectiveness of online therapy. One study found that internet interventions for ADHD management could be beneficial, often improving social function and confidence in clients.

Takeaway

ADHD can be seen as a neurodevelopmental condition and form of neurodivergence experienced by millions of people worldwide, and rates seem to be rising as awareness increases. If you’re looking for support with ADHD symptoms, you’re not alone. Consider contacting a mental health provider online or in your area for guidance.

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The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.

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