Public Perceptions and Diagnostic/Health Perspectives of ADHD

This chapter critically examines the evolving public perceptions and diagnostic frameworks surrounding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Despite widespread scientific agreement on ADHD as a legitimate neurodevelopmental condition, public understanding of the disorder remains fragmented, often influenced by cultural narratives, societal stigma, and divergent health system practices. The chapter explores how ADHD is perceived across different societies, how stigma and misconceptions influence diagnosis and treatment-seeking behaviors, and how historical and contemporary debates shape public and clinical discourses on ADHD. In parallel, the chapter reviews the evolution of ADHD diagnostic criteria, considering both the medicalization of attention and behavioral difficulties and the influence of healthcare system structures on diagnosis rates and treatment access. Finally, attention is given to disparities in how ADHD is diagnosed and managed across diverse socio-cultural and healthcare contexts, highlighting the ongoing tensions between clinical perspectives and public attitudes.