New research from King’s College London has found no evidence that ADHD rates have increased, despite a surge in people seeking assessments and diagnoses.The comprehensive review examined 40 studies across 17 countries and discovered that prevalence rates have remained stable since 2020.Lead researcher Dr Alex Martin suggested the rise in diagnoses likely reflects historical under-diagnosis rather than an actual increase in cases. “ADHD prevalence in adults and children has remained largely stable since 2020,” she said.The findings challenge assumptions that social media use or the Covid pandemic have driven up ADHD rates, instead pointing to improved awareness and acceptance, encouraging more people to seek help.Task paralysis is a common experience for people with ADHDGETTYIn England, approximately 2.5 million people are estimated to have ADHD, with over 550,000 currently on waiting lists for assessments. NHS England data shows 20,000 new referrals each month, marking a 13 per cent increase compared to last year.The NHS has acknowledged that patients face excessive waiting times for assessment and diagnosis. Patient watchdog Healthwatch England has highlighted how ADHD affects work and education, emphasising the importance of diagnosis for understanding and managing the condition.Henry Shelford from ADHD UK said the condition had been “ignored for too long”, adding: “Increasing awareness and diagnosis is the key to unlocking the talents of over two million people in the UK.”Emotional hypersensitivity and task paralysis are common experiences for people with ADHD, though not formal diagnostic criteria. A psychologist specialising in neurodivergent individuals explained that many with ADHD describe “a degree of intensity in which they feel their emotions and a hypersensitivity to cues that something is wrong”.Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, involving intense reactions to perceived criticism, can cause sudden mood changes and impact self-esteem. Unlike mood disorders with prolonged dysregulated states, ADHD-related emotional changes tend to be more reactive.Task paralysis, whilst not a diagnostic feature, frequently affects those with ADHD due to executive function difficulties, causing frustration even among highly intelligent and motivated individuals.ADHD often presents differently in women and girls, who may appear calm, quiet or perfectionistic rather than displaying stereotypical hyperactive behaviours.Patients face excessive waiting times for assessmentsGETTYThe psychologist noted that girls “often present with more of the inattentive symptoms, described as the day-dreamers or the sensitive children” and are “much more likely to struggle without anyone noticing”.Women tend to be better at masking their difficulties, trying hard to comply and fit in. Many develop perfectionist qualities to compensate for their challenges, often experiencing shame around tasks they find difficult.These individuals frequently show more internalised symptoms like anxiety or low self-esteem, which makes diagnosis more challenging.