ADHD is not diagnosed evenly across groups. Research suggests some groups, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds, are less likely to be diagnosed, and more likely to be told it is something else. What we know about the gap is below.
What the data shows
A large US study published in 2024 found that Asian, Black and Hispanic young people were less likely than white young people to have an ADHD diagnosis recorded. UK data on this is more limited. If you feel you have been overlooked, that does not make your difficulties any less real.
Why the gap exists
1/6 The diagnostic criteria were built on a narrow sample.
Most of the original research on ADHD was done on white, middle-class, hyperactive boys in the United States. The diagnostic criteria still reflect that, so clinicians tend to spot that profile and miss others. If you don't fit the textbook, that does not mean you don't have ADHD.
2/6 The same behaviour is judged differently.
A white middle-class boy who can't sit still gets called fidgety and referred. A Black boy doing the same thing gets called disruptive and disciplined. A Black girl doing the same thing gets called difficult.
3/6 GP referral rates are uneven.
Research, mostly from the US, suggests that assumptions about who is likely to have ADHD can affect who gets referred and diagnosed. It can help to know this before your appointment.
4/6 Culture can keep symptoms hidden.
In some families and cultures, mental health diagnoses are taboo and struggling is seen as a personal failing. Many adults from these backgrounds spend years blaming themselves before they recognise ADHD.
5/6 Cost is its own filter.
Right to Choose is free, but using it takes confidence, time and persistence. Those are hardest to find for the people the system already misses.
6/6 Communities are filling the gap.
Many of the most active UK ADHD groups for marginalised adults are run by the communities themselves. Some of the longest-running are below.
UK communities by and for the people the system misses
1/6 ADHD Babes (UK)
A community for Black women and non-binary people with ADHD or who suspect they have it. It runs free monthly meet-ups and peer support, and is widely recommended. adhdbabes.com.
2/6 Sistas with ADHD
A UK community for Black women that runs events and mentoring. Members share advice on getting through the GP and assessment process.
3/6 ADHD Foundation Cultural Toolkit
The ADHD Foundation publishes resources for South Asian, Black African and Caribbean families. Check their website for the latest, especially if you are a parent.
4/6 Neuroqueer
An online community for LGBTQIA+ neurodivergent adults, with an active Discord.
5/6 The ADHD Foundation
UK charity with multilingual resources, particularly useful if English is not your first language or your parents' first language.
6/6 r/ADHDUK and r/ADHDWomen
Both are general communities with a wide mix of members. If you can't find a group for your situation, post a question there and describe your circumstances. Someone with similar experience will often reply.
What helps in the appointment
1/4 Bring a written list.
Write your symptoms down before any GP appointment. It keeps the conversation on the facts rather than on how you come across. The GP script page can help.
2/4 Take someone with you if you can.
You can usually bring someone with you to a GP appointment. It can help to let the practice know in advance. Having another adult in the room can make the GP take the conversation more seriously.
3/4 Switch practices if you need to.
If your GP has dismissed you in a way you cannot get past, you can register at any practice in your catchment area without giving a reason. Many people don't know they can do this.
4/4 Report the gap.
If you experience a clearly biased refusal, ADHD UK want to hear about it. They collect reports of refusals to push for policy change. adhduk.co.uk.
One thing worth saying directly. You may wonder whether to seek a diagnosis when others in your family managed without one. It is still worth doing. The generations before you did not have the options you have now. Using them can sit alongside how you were raised, and many people find it continues what their family was trying to do for them.