The Global ADHD Diagnosis Gap
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in the world, yet the path to diagnosis is far from equal. Where you are born, your gender, your income level, and the language you speak can dramatically affect whether you ever receive a diagnosis — and the support that comes with it.
of adults worldwide have ADHD
remain undiagnosed in many countries
less likely for women to be diagnosed
Regional Disparities
ADHD prevalence is remarkably consistent across populations worldwide at roughly 5–7% of children and 2.5–4% of adults. Yet diagnosis rates vary dramatically by region.
North America & Europe
Countries like the United States, Canada, and much of Western Europe have relatively established diagnostic pathways. Yet even here, significant wait times, costs, and disparities persist — particularly for adults seeking a first-time diagnosis.
Latin America
Despite an estimated 36 million people with ADHD across the region, diagnostic infrastructure remains limited. Many countries have fewer than 1 specialist per 100,000 people, and cultural stigma around mental health creates additional barriers.
Africa & Middle East
Across much of Africa and the Middle East, ADHD is widely underrecognized. Limited mental health infrastructure, a shortage of trained professionals, and cultural frameworks that attribute symptoms to character or discipline create enormous gaps in care.
Asia & Pacific
In countries like India, China, and across Southeast Asia, awareness of adult ADHD remains low. ADHD is often viewed as a Western concept despite evidence showing comparable prevalence. Language barriers and lack of screening tools in local languages compound the problem.
The Gender Gap
Women and girls are significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, not because they are less affected, but because the diagnostic criteria and clinical understanding have historically been based on how ADHD presents in boys and men.
Boys are diagnosed 2–3 times more often than girls during childhood
Women receive their diagnosis on average 5 years later than men
Girls more often present with inattentive symptoms that are easier to overlook
Women are frequently misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression instead
The consequences of this gap are profound. Women who go undiagnosed often develop secondary conditions — anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem — from years of struggling without understanding why. Many describe their diagnosis as a turning point that reframed their entire life experience.
Socioeconomic Barriers
Access to ADHD diagnosis and treatment is closely linked to economic resources. In many countries, psychiatric evaluation requires private healthcare that most families cannot afford. Even where public healthcare exists, wait times for ADHD assessment can stretch from months to years. The irony is stark: the executive function challenges of ADHD make navigating complex healthcare systems particularly difficult.
What We're Doing About It
Open ADHD was created specifically to address these inequalities. While a self-assessment tool cannot replace professional diagnosis, it can be the critical first step toward understanding.
Free & Private
No cost, no registration, no data collection. Everyone deserves access to self-understanding regardless of income.
20 Languages
Available in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Italian, Polish, Russian, Turkish, Arabic, Hindi, Bengali, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Chinese (Simplified & Traditional), Japanese, and Korean.
Designed for All
Dark mode, reduced motion, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and mobile-first design ensure the tool works for everyone.
Evidence-Based
Grounded in DSM-5 criteria and informed by the WHO ASRS, with culturally sensitive framing across all languages.
Help Close the Gap
If this tool has helped you, share it with someone who might benefit. ADHD doesn't recognize borders, and neither should access to understanding.