The increase in ADHD diagnoses is linked with social change
- Seoyoung Kang
- Dec 1, 2025
- 2 min read
Dec 1, 2025
Seoyoung Kang
In multiple countries, including the US, the number of children and adults diagnosed with ADHD has increased significantly in the last few years. In the report by Nature (2025), they indicate that this increase is primarily due to greater awareness of ADHD among the general public and an increased number of available evaluation methods. As such, the increased rate of diagnosis for ADHD should not be seen as simply a problem for individuals with ADHD but rather as a clear indication of a societal trend.
Clearly, there are many factors why the ADHD diagnosis is increasing. One main feature among the kids and students is a change in education. In the past, children would use textbooks to study and research, but now, most of the resources are on our electronic devices. Most of the kids cannot stay for 10 minutes focused on their work due to obstacles like YouTube and Instagram.
For adults, one main reason would be the change in perception. Distractibility and impulsivity, which were previously known as personality traits, are beginning to be recognized as mental health disorders. As information about ADHD has become widely known through the media, the number of people who regard their symptoms as a disease and seek medical treatment has increased.
For the light symptoms of ADHD and an easily accessible disorder, many more people are trying for a diagnosis. However, ADHD is now not just an individual’s problem. Concentration in the digital age is a problem for everyone in our society. When our world is changing to a media-based society, our brains are also evolving. Rather than viewing the rise in ADHD diagnoses as a problem, we should view it as a sign of societal change.
