Not Anxiety, Not Depression: Scientists Explain Why This Gen Z Diagnosis Is On The Rise

Generation Z, which is generally defined as people born between 1997 and 2012, have arguably made some significant impacts on how certain health topics are discussed on a more mainstream level. At the same time, this age group may also experience the Gen Z loneliness epidemic, among other generational challenges. The American Psychological Association reported that Gen Z is more comfortable talking about struggles with their mental health, for example, but they may also be more willing to speak out about neurodivergence, too. One notable example involves attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and there has been in an increase in new ADHD cases among Gen Z and adults in general in recent years. Yet researchers believe the explanation for this is much more complex, and it doesn't necessarily point to an increased prevalence.

ADHD is considered a type of neurodevelopmental disorder that causes a combination of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. These symptoms are highly individual, where some people may have a combination of the three, or perhaps just difficulty with one more than the other two. Notably, ADHD can cause struggles with certain tasks at work, in school, or even in social situations. To date, scientists have not identified a single cause of ADHD. They believe it may be caused by a combination of genes and environmental factors, but much more research is needed.

ADHD is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in childhood, and it may continue into adulthood, but it's not uncommon for an adult to receive a ADHD diagnosis. There are a few explanations for this influx. First, given the variation in symptoms, some people may not have had obvious signs of the disorder during childhood. What's more, ADHD can present differently in adults versus children, with the former more likely to experience restlessness, poor job performance, and engagement in risky health behaviors.

Overall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 6% of adults in the U.S. have ADHD. More awareness about ADHD and other disorders has likely contributed to increased diagnoses. When considering new ADHD cases, there are several nuances to consider. According to Psychology Today, the reasons behind the growing number of cases may include increased awareness, better access to care, and reduced stigma. Also, after years of overlooking females with ADHD, many are now accessing diagnosis and treatment.

Another factor is the COVID-19 pandemic, which directly affected the ability for many to seek a timely diagnosis. According to a review in the Journal of Affective Disorders published in 2025, the number of new cases was variable during this time, and it's also possible that there was a delay in reporting new cases. The authors also note there is no evidence of a direct link between the pandemic and ADHD prevalence. At this point, researchers do not believe the growing number of cases means there's an increased prevalence of the disorder.

There are also concerns about how an increased awareness of neurodiversity on social media is leading to self-diagnosis. Such trends have been studied among Gen Z beyond how social media impacts the brain. One such study in European Psychiatry tracked trends about ADHD related videos on TikTok, and how these impacted Gen Z. The results were published in 2022, with researchers finding that watching videos about ADHD directly led to an increased likelihood of self-diagnosis.

No matter what age a person is diagnosed with ADHD, it's important to know that the official diagnostic process is complex. Suspected ADHD should be addressed with a primary care doctor, who may then refer you to a specialist for additional testing. Vision tests and hearing tests may also be used to rule out other causes of your symptoms. There's unfortunately no single test that can accurately reveal this disorder. ADHD can also occur with learning disorders, as well as mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. This can make the condition more difficult to identify and diagnose in some people.

Once a person is diagnosed with ADHD, then a doctor may recommend a combination of treatments and therapies that can improve symptoms and make everyday life easier. These may include forms of psychotherapy, as well as medications. MedlinePlus also notes the importance of eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise as long-term strategies for ADHD symptom management (it's also worth considering some of Gen Z's healthy lifestyle habits).