Are boys diagnosed more than girls?

Yes. Among children, about 15% of boys versus 8% of girls are diagnosed. Girls are often underdiagnosed due to subtler, inattentive symptoms.

How often does ADHD occur with other conditions?

Comorbidity is common. About 78% of children with ADHD have at least one additional condition, and around 40% experience anxiety.

Has ADHD increased over time?

Diagnoses have risen, largely due to better screening and awareness. For example, there were about one million more diagnosed children in 2022 than in 2016.

How big is the ADHD treatment gap?

Roughly one in three children with ADHD receive no ADHD-specific treatment. Among adults with ADHD, about one-third report no treatment as well.

What treatments are most effective?

A combination of behavior therapy and, when indicated, medication tends to produce the best outcomes alongside school or workplace accommodations.

What’s the typical age of diagnosis?

Children are diagnosed around age 7 on average, but many adults are first diagnosed after 18 as awareness improves.

ADHD Statistics (2025): Adults & Youth – U.S. Prevalence, Treatment & Impact

Bar charts with the text 'ADHD Statistics 2025 Adults and Youth' text overlayed

This quick-reference table highlights authoritative U.S. ADHD statistics from CDC, NIMH, and recent studies so readers can easily verify the data.

Top 25 U.S. ADHD Statistics (Latest)

Last updated: September 30, 2025

ADHD statistics for children and adults. U.S.-focused unless noted. “Latest” reflects the most recent year available for each source (not always 2025).
#	Key Statistic (U.S.)	Source
1	Children ever diagnosed (2022): ~7.0 million (11.4%) ages 3–17.	CDC
2	Adults with current ADHD (2023): ~15.5 million adults (6.0%).	CDC MMWR
3	By sex (children, 2022): Boys 15% vs. girls 8% ever diagnosed.	CDC
4	Adult diagnosis timing (2023): ~55.9% of adults with ADHD were first diagnosed at age 18+.	CDC MMWR
5	Co-occurring conditions (children, 2022): ~78% had ≥1 other condition; anxiety in ~40%.	CDC
6	Adults receiving no treatment (2023): ~36.5% of adults with ADHD received no treatment in the past year.	CDC MMWR
7	By race/ethnicity (children, 2022): White 12%; Black 12%; Hispanic 10%; AI/AN 10%; NH/PI ~6%; Asian 4%.	CDC
8	Adults on stimulant medication (2023): ~33.4% used stimulants in the prior 12 months.	CDC MMWR
9	Children untreated (2022): ~30% received no ADHD-specific treatment.	CDC
10	Medication shortages (adults, 2023): ~71.5% of adults on stimulants had difficulty filling prescriptions.	CDC MMWR
11	Combined care (children, 2022): ~32% received both medication and behavior therapy.	CDC
12	Telehealth use (adults, 2023): ~46.0% ever used telehealth for ADHD care.	CDC MMWR
13	Telehealth diagnosis (adults, 2023): ~8.9% diagnosed via telehealth only; ~9.5% via hybrid care.	CDC MMWR
14	Behavior therapy counts (children): ~2.8M received behavior treatment in 2022 (up from ~2.5M in 2016).	CDC
15	State range—ever diagnosed (children): ~6% to 16% across states.	CDC
16	Heritability: ADHD is highly heritable; genetics account for a large share of risk (often cited ~70%+).	ADDA
17	Persistence into adulthood: ~Two-thirds or more of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms in adulthood.	ADDA
18	Any treatment (children with current ADHD): ~58% to 92% across states.	CDC
19	Medication (children with current ADHD): ~38% to 81% across states.	CDC
20	Behavior therapy (children with current ADHD): ~39% to 62% across states.	CDC
21	Severity (children, 2022): ~6 in 10 children with ADHD had moderate or severe ADHD.	CDC
22	Care providers (children, 2021): Nearly half of privately insured children received ADHD care from a pediatrician.	CDC
23	Trend—children (2003–2011): ADHD “ever diagnosed” rose ~42% (7.8% → 11.0%).	NIMH
24	Age of onset & diagnosis (children): Median age of onset 6; median diagnosis ages—severe 4, moderate 6, mild 7.	NIMH
25	Adults on any ADHD medication (2023): About one-third used ADHD medication in the prior year (stimulant or non-stimulant).	CDC MMWR

Key Takeaways

ADHD is common in kids and adults. About 11% of U.S. children have been diagnosed, and roughly 6% (~15 million adults) have a current diagnosis. ADHD often continues into adulthood.
Boys are diagnosed more than girls. Boys are around 15% vs. girls at 8% in childhood. Many girls are underdiagnosed because symptoms can be quieter.
Racial differences have narrowed. White and Black children are both near ~12%; Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native near ~10%; Asian and Pacific Islander about ~4–6%. Screening and access have improved.
Comorbidity is common. About ~78% of kids with ADHD have at least one other condition; anxiety affects ~40%. Treating the full picture matters.
Diagnoses have risen. In 2022, there were about 1 million more children diagnosed than in 2016. This reflects awareness and screening, not necessarily a surge in cases.
Treatment gaps persist. Roughly ~1 in 3 children received no ADHD-specific treatment in 2022. About ~32% received both therapy and medication; behavior therapy use grew from 2.5M (2016) to 2.8M (2022).

Infographic showing that about 33.4% of adults with ADHD used stimulant medication in the past year. Illustration of a man holding a pill with a prescription bottle nearby, set against a clean turquoise and blue background. — About one in three adults with ADHD (33.4%) reported using stimulant medication in the past 12 months.

ADHD Prevalence in Children vs. Adults

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions, affecting about 11% of U.S. children. In a class of 30, that’s 3–4 students with a diagnosis.
It often continues into adulthood; roughly 6% (~15 million) U.S. adults have a current diagnosis. About ~50% of those adults were first diagnosed after 18.

Why this matters: Adult ADHD affects organization, time management, relationships, and work. A later diagnosis can bring validation and practical support.

Infographic showing that about 30% of children with ADHD do not receive any ADHD-specific treatment. Illustration of a concerned child with a backpack, set against a modern blue background with a medical cross symbol. — About 3 in 10 children with ADHD receive no ADHD-specific treatment, highlighting ongoing gaps in access to care.

Gender Differences in ADHD

Boys are diagnosed at about 2× the rate of girls (~15% vs ~8%). Boys more often show hyperactive/impulsive signs that draw quick attention.
Girls more often present as inattentive (daydreaming, disorganization), so many are missed until adolescence or adulthood.

Bottom line: The gap reflects presentation, not absence. Better awareness helps catch girls earlier and tailor support.

Infographic showing that 55.9% of adults with ADHD were first diagnosed at age 18 or older. Illustration features an adult holding a clipboard with checkmarks, with a clock above, set against a clean blue background — More than half of adults with ADHD—55.9%—did not receive their diagnosis until after age 18, highlighting how often ADHD is missed in childhood.

Racial and Ethnic Trends in ADHD

Diagnosis is now more evenly distributed: White and Black children around ~12%; Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native near ~10%; Asian and Pacific Islander ~4–6%.
Gains likely reflect better access, outreach, and screening in communities that previously faced hurdles.

Why it matters: Early, accurate diagnosis prevents academic failure and low self-esteem. Every child deserves equitable evaluation and services.

Infographic highlighting the top 5 everyday challenges for people with ADHD. Colorful icons represent focus and distraction, time management, organization, impulsivity, and emotional regulation.

Diagnosis and Treatment Trends

From 2016 to 2022, child ADHD diagnoses increased by about 1 million. This aligns with improved detection, not necessarily a biological increase.
Average diagnosis age is about 7, with pushes toward earlier identification when symptoms impair functioning.

Treatment commonly blends behavior therapy and medication. About ~70% of kids receive some treatment, but ~30% receive none, and ~32% receive both. Access challenges include provider shortages, cost, stigma, and care disparities.

Adults: Recognition is rising. Recent stimulant shortages complicated access, and many adults use telehealth for evaluation and follow-up to improve access.

“Treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all; skills, structure, and sometimes meds create momentum that kids and adults can sustain.”

— Kayla Crane, LMFT

ADHD in School and Work Settings

In school, ADHD can lead to missed instructions, incomplete work, and behavior issues unrelated to ability. Risks include retention and higher dropout without support.
Helpful supports include extra time, quiet testing, movement breaks, seating plans, visual schedules, and coaching. With these, students with ADHD can thrive.

At work, adults may struggle with time blindness, distraction, organization, and impulsive communication. Effective strategies include calendars/reminders, task chunking, noise control, routine exercise/mindfulness, and flexible setups when possible.

Key takeaway: Schools and employers increasingly value neurodiversity; practical supports can unlock strengths like creativity, energy, and problem-solving.

Infographic showing ADHD diagnosis by sex among children. Illustration of a boy and a girl seated, with brain icons behind them. Text highlights that 15% of boys vs. 8% of girls have been diagnosed with ADHD. — Boys are diagnosed with ADHD nearly twice as often as girls—15% compared to 8%—though experts believe many girls are underdiagnosed.

ADHD and Comorbidity with Anxiety or Depression

About ~78% of kids with ADHD have at least one additional condition, with ~40% experiencing anxiety. Depression is also common, especially in teens and adults.
Comorbidities can intensify ADHD symptoms and call for integrated care: therapy for skills and mood/anxiety, plus targeted ADHD treatment.

Other overlaps include learning differences, behavior disorders, and autism (a sizable subgroup has ADHD + ASD). Addressing the whole profile—school supports, parent coaching, therapy, and, when indicated, meds—improves outcomes and quality of life.

Infographic showing that about 78% of children with ADHD have at least one additional condition, and around 40% experience anxiety. Illustration depicts a thoughtful child holding a pencil, with icons of a brain and a sad face above — Nearly 8 in 10 children with ADHD also live with another condition—most commonly anxiety, which affects about 40%.

What to Do if You Suspect ADHD

If you or your child may have ADHD, the first step is talking with a pediatrician, primary care provider, or a licensed therapist who can provide screenings and referrals. A therapist can also help with coping strategies, school or work challenges, and emotional support. If you’re looking for ongoing guidance, our team at South Denver Therapy offers individual therapy tailored to children, teens, and adults navigating ADHD. For urgent mental health needs in the U.S., you can call or text 988 anytime for free, 24/7 crisis support.

FAQs: ADHD Statistics (2025)

1) How common is ADHD in kids right now?
About 11% of U.S. children have been diagnosed at some point. That’s roughly 1 in 9 kids.

2) How many U.S. adults have ADHD?
Roughly 6% (~15 million adults) have a current diagnosis, and ~50% were first diagnosed after 18.

3) Are boys still diagnosed more than girls?
Yes. Boys are around 15% vs. girls at 8% in childhood. Girls are often underdiagnosed due to quieter, inattentive presentations.

4) What do racial and ethnic rates look like?
White and Black children are both near ~12%; Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native near ~10%; Asian and Pacific Islander about ~4–6%.

5) How often does ADHD come with other conditions?
Very often. About ~78% of kids with ADHD have at least one additional condition; anxiety occurs in about ~40%.

6) Has ADHD really increased, or are we just finding it more?
The number of diagnosed children rose by about 1 million from 2016 to 2022. Most experts attribute this to awareness and screening, not a sudden biological surge.

7) How big is the treatment gap?
About ~1 in 3 children with ADHD received no ADHD-specific treatment in 2022. Around ~32% received both therapy and medication.

8) What’s the average age of diagnosis?
Around 7 years old on average, with efforts to identify earlier when symptoms cause impairment.

9) Do school supports make a measurable difference?
Yes. Accommodations like extra time, quiet testing, movement breaks, and skills coaching reduce failure and dropout risk and improve classroom success.

10) How are adults managing care right now?
Telehealth has expanded access for evaluation and follow-up. Some experienced stimulant shortages recently, but multi-modal care (skills + meds when indicated) remains effective.

ADHD Statistics (2025): Adults & Youth