If it feels like suddenly everyone has ADHD, you’re not imagining things. Over the past few years, conversations about ADHD, especially in adults, have gained massive momentum. From viral social media videos and podcasts to personal stories shared in the media, ADHD is now firmly in the spotlight.
But here’s the truth: ADHD isn’t new. It’s just that, finally, more people are recognising the signs and seeking support. This shift reflects growing awareness, leading to more accurate diagnoses, deeper self-understanding, and better access to support for people who may have struggled in silence for years.
So why does it feel like everyone suddenly has ADHD? Let’s break it down.
ADHD Has Been Around for a Long Time
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, attention, emotional regulation, and impulse control. While the term “ADHD” is relatively modern, descriptions of similar behaviours go back over a century in medical literature.
For many years, ADHD was viewed through a very narrow lens: a hyperactive young boy who couldn’t sit still or follow instructions in class. This stereotype excluded girls, quieter children, and adults, many of whom were struggling but weren’t being recognised.
Because of this limited view, countless people with ADHD went undiagnosed. Many learned to mask their challenges or internalised shame for behaviours they didn’t understand. Now, with a broader understanding of how ADHD presents, more people are receiving the diagnosis they’ve always needed.
So Why Does It Feel More Common Now?
- Improved Awareness and Less Stigma
We’re in the middle of a mental health awareness movement — and that includes ADHD. Society has become more open and accepting of neurodiversity. As conversations become more inclusive and less judgmental, more people feel safe to explore the possibility of having ADHD.
People are now comfortable seeking an ADHD diagnosis not just for children, but also for themselves as adults. They want answers, and often, they’ve felt something was different for a long time.
- Women and Girls Are Finally Being Seen
Historically, ADHD in girls and women has been vastly underdiagnosed. Symptoms often present differently in girls, with them usually struggling with focus, organisation, and internal restlessness, and not exhibiting the hyperactivity often associated with ADHD.
As a result, their difficulties were often mistaken for anxiety, laziness, or emotional issues. Now, clinicians and ADHD specialists understand these differences and are diagnosing more women accurately, sometimes for the first time in their 30s, 40s or even later.
- Adults Are Getting Diagnosed Too
A growing number of adults are discovering they’ve had ADHD all along. Many were able to “cope” in school or early adulthood, but as life gets more complex with work, parenting, and daily responsibilities, their coping mechanisms stop working.
An adult ADHD diagnosis can be life-changing. It often explains a lifetime of struggles with procrastination, disorganisation, emotional overwhelm, or difficulty completing tasks. We regularly conduct ADHD assessments for adults who finally feel ready to get answers.
- Social Media Is Spreading Awareness
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have played a big role in normalising ADHD experiences. Creators are sharing relatable content about “time blindness,” emotional dysregulation, and forgetfulness, prompting viewers to ask, “Wait… is that me?”
While social media can’t diagnose ADHD (and shouldn’t replace a professional evaluation), it can be a powerful first step in someone’s journey toward understanding. It sparks curiosity and encourages people to speak to a qualified ADHD psychologist to find out more.
Why Getting a Proper ADHD Assessment Matters
While awareness is growing, it’s important to note that only a trained psychologist or medical professional can perform a formal ADHD assessment. At our clinic, we offer thorough, compassionate ADHD assessments in Perth, tailored to the individual.
A professional assessment ensures:
- You receive the correct diagnosis (some symptoms can overlap with anxiety, autism, or depression)
- You gain a better understanding of your strengths and challenges
- You can access personalised support and evidence-based treatments
For parents, an ADHD assessment can provide clarity and direction. For adults, it often brings validation and a sense of peace after years of feeling “off track.”
ADHD Isn’t a Trend – It’s Just Finally Visible
The rise in ADHD diagnoses doesn’t mean the condition is being over-diagnosed or that it’s trendy. It means we’re finally recognising the full picture across genders, ages, and life stages.
In communities like Perth, ADHD is no longer something only whispered about behind closed doors. It’s becoming part of everyday conversations in schools, workplaces, parenting groups, and online communities. This growing openness is helping to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek the answers they’ve often gone without for years.
And with this awareness comes better support, more inclusive discussions, and ultimately, healthier outcomes for individuals. Access to ADHD assessments in Perth is more available than ever, making it easier for both adults and children to get the clarity and support they deserve.
Thinking About an ADHD Assessment?
If you or your child is struggling with focus, organisation, or emotional regulation, it could be worth speaking with an ADHD specialist in Perth. Whether you’re an adult seeking clarity or a parent wanting support for your child, an assessment can be the first step toward understanding.
Here at Brainworks Psychology, we offer compassionate, thorough ADHD assessments in Perth, tailored to each individual. You’re not alone — and you don’t have to keep wondering.
Contact us today to book an ADHD assessment and begin your journey with the support and insight you deserve.
