Is the rise of ADHD diagnoses a genuine increase in cases, or is it a result of improved detection and awareness? This is the question that paediatric neurologist Dr. Cristina Cordero explores in her insightful commentary. While the actual prevalence of ADHD has remained stable over time, the public perception of a 'skyrocketing' increase in cases is not entirely unfounded. The expert argues that the current consensus is clear: we are getting much better at detecting ADHD, and this is primarily due to increased social and professional awareness. This heightened awareness allows for earlier recognition of symptoms and more systematic diagnostic processes, which can identify ADHD profiles that previously went unnoticed, especially in girls and boys with less disruptive symptoms. However, Dr. Cordero emphasizes that the evidence points to under-diagnosis rather than over-diagnosis. A significant proportion of cases are still not being detected at all or are failing to receive the specialist support they need. This is particularly true for certain groups, such as boys and girls with less disruptive symptoms, and teenagers and adults who were not identified during childhood. The classroom reality is that teachers are convinced they are seeing a marked shift in their pupils' behavior. Long-serving educator Elena Coelho notes that three decades ago, teachers mostly dealt with the standard 'growing pains' of adolescence. Now, however, the landscape has shifted significantly. Disruptions in class have increased significantly, while the level of effort both at school and at home has plummeted. This raises a deeper question: what has actually changed? While screens and digital content are often blamed for the problem, the reality is more complex. Coelho highlights a significant sociological shift, such as a marked rise in family instability, which has a profound impact on pupils' psychological well-being. This leads to a state of apathy where they have no genuine interest in learning. In my opinion, the rise of ADHD diagnoses is a multifaceted issue. While improved detection and awareness are certainly factors, the underlying causes are more complex and require a deeper understanding of the sociological and psychological factors at play. Personally, I think that the rise of ADHD diagnoses is a call for a return to a sense of compassion for those who are struggling. We need schools with a heart, where we maintain high expectations for every pupil, and a deeper understanding of the sociological and psychological factors that contribute to the rise of ADHD diagnoses.
