3/26 ADHD Over-diagnosis and Under-diagnosis

It seems like everyone on TikTok, in your dorm, or in your group chat “has ADHD” these days — or at least thinks they do.But what’s actually happening? Are we overdiagnosing ADHD… or finally recognizing it in people who were overlooked for decades?

Join the Duke Neurodiversity Advocates (DNA) for an honest conversation about how ADHD diagnosis trends reflect larger issues in healthcare, identity, and access — especially for women, students of color, and late-diagnosed adults.

We’ll unpack:

• Why ADHD diagnoses have skyrocketed — and what’s driving it (awareness, social media, telehealth, pandemic burnout).

• How “self-diagnosis culture” can be both empowering and misleading.

• Who’s still underdiagnosed — especially girls, BIPOC students, and low-income communities.

• The difference between ADHD traits, trauma responses, and executive dysfunction from stress or chronic illness.

• Why labels can help some people access support — but harm others if applied without context.

• How to talk about ADHD responsibly in friend groups, classrooms, and online spaces.