Some believe our broader understanding of ADHD has led to overdiagnosis. But research shows that: Strict DSM criteria are effective at differentiating ADHD from lookalike issues. Diagnoses are much more stringent than the public perceives. ~5% of children and 2.5% of adults are estimated to have ADHD - consistent rates over decades. There are far more undiagnosed or misdiagnosed cases that cause lifelong challenges. Overall, careful assessment by an expert evaluator remains key to accurately identifying ADHD.