And why the undiagnosed gap really matters

By Kirsty Morris

As I continue learning about the ADHD space, one thing has really stood out: how many people may be living with ADHD without even knowing it.

Read part 1 here 

Estimates from ADHD UK and NICE suggest around 5% of children and 3–4% of adults in the UK have ADHD — that’s roughly 2.6 million people. Yet only a small proportion have a formal diagnosis.

Behind those numbers are people navigating work, study, and relationships without fully understanding why certain things feel harder than they should.

💬 Why I’m Writing

In my recruitment work, I speak daily with GPs and clinicians passionate about mental health. Many tell me ADHD is one of the fastest-growing areas – and one of the hardest to resource.

I also have close friends with ADHD, and I’ve seen first-hand the difference diagnosis and the right support can make.

⚖️ The Challenge

The issue isn’t just rising demand – it’s capacity.
Waiting lists are long. Access varies by region. And while private clinics help meet need, not everyone can afford that route.

Clinicians are under pressure, services are stretched, and the gap between who needs support and who receives it keeps growing.

🤔 A Question for You

For those leading or working in ADHD services:

Do you see the undiagnosed-to-diagnosed gap as one of the biggest challenges right now?

I’d love to hear your perspective – what’s driving the gap, and what’s helping to close it?

Get in touch here