Many adults today feel exhausted, scattered, and emotionally overwhelmed. They often wonder whether this is simply burnout, or something deeper like ADHD. This confusion has become a central question in mental health conversations, especially as social media and high-profile stories bring neurodivergence to the forefront. It is no coincidence that searches around “ADHD vs burnout” have spiked. People feel the pressure of high-performance expectations, health anxieties, and chronic fatigue. More of them are turning to content that helps demystify what is really happening.
Recent NHS data shows that nearly 2.5 million people in England likely have ADHD, including around 1.6 million adults. Yet only about one in three of them are recorded as diagnosed. By March 2025, the waiting list for assessment had grown by a third to 549,000 people (Financial Times). Meanwhile, ADHD-related drug prescriptions in England have risen by approximately 18 percent annually since the start of the pandemic. These jumped from 25 prescriptions per 1,000 people in 2019–2020 to over 41 per 1,000 in 2023–2024. The sharpest increase was in London, where demand rose by nearly 28 percent year-on-year.
Why the rise? Experts point to greater awareness, including growing online conversations, celebrity stories, and TikTok campaigns. According to the Financial Times, part of the spike in referrals is due to people actively seeking answers, driven by relatable stories online. However, long NHS waitlists are forcing many to turn to private care routes.
But this is not just about awareness. ADHD is not harmless. A major UCL study in The British Journal of Psychiatry revealed that adults diagnosed with ADHD live, on average, nearly seven years less for men and over eight years less for women compared to peers without ADHD. These gaps are linked to co-occurring mental health challenges, risky behaviours, and broader socioeconomic factors. The mortality and wellbeing impact is severe enough to demand urgent attention.
While many people are self-assessing through quizzes or Instagram reels, mental health professionals warn about misdiagnosis. A psychologist recently told The Scottish Sun that children with ADHD benefit significantly from consistent routines, proper rest, and emotional regulation support. These may sound simple, but they are critical. Meanwhile, The Sun also reported that over 50 percent of ADHD content on TikTok contains misinformation, underlining why proper assessments matter (The Scottish Sun, The Sun).
So how can you really tell the difference between ADHD and burnout? Burnout is often triggered by workload, life stress, or poor boundaries. Rest and recovery can help ease symptoms. ADHD, on the other hand, is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. The symptoms do not disappear with rest, and they tend to show up across multiple areas of life, from school to work to relationships.
This blog aims to help you figure out what is really going on. Are you just burned out, or could it be ADHD? We will also explain what to expect from a private assessment, how long it takes, how much it costs, and what happens afterward. If you are unsure, the first step is simple. You can take our quick self-check quiz, or book a private ADHD assessment with one of our expert clinicians.
Getting answers should not take years. With the right help, you can stop wondering and start moving forward. Let’s find out what is really going on.
