In comparison to other places in the world (especially Asia), there is somewhat lower stigma regarding ADHD in the U.S.
I would add the UK to the stigma list as well. The UK government and NHS are pretty rabidly ADHD-denialist and make it incredibly difficult to get a diagnosis.
> I would add the UK to the stigma list as well. The UK government and NHS are pretty rabidly ADHD-denialist and make it incredibly difficult to get a diagnosis.
Don't you also have to wait years on a wait list for an evaluation? I feel like I remember hearing that a few years ago.
I was surprised when I moved to Europe that at least several (many?) EU countries don’t even authorize any ADHD drugs to be prescribed. So sure, maybe the doctor knows you have it, but even if they say you have it… so what, what can they do about it?
As someone with some horrific environmental allergies, I see it as similar. The US has a ton more allergy medications available (both RX or OTC) than any of the other countries I’ve lived in or visited, so of course there are more people who have a diagnosis. In Finland they just stared at me wide-eyed and shook their heads when I asked if they had Sudafed. “Oh no, very strong…”
They literally pay for you to use a private clinic to ensure everyone can be assessed quickly. ADHD is legally protected and recognised. Lumping it in with most of Asia is ridiculous.
Where in the NHS is that? Maybe just an English thing. I had to go private on my own dime and thankfully my GP took over prescribing, which is uncommon and becoming increasingly so. They also put me on the NHS waiting list, back when you could still get on it without being severe, and it was only last week I had my appointment almost 4 years after being put on the list.
I would add the UK to the stigma list as well. The UK government and NHS are pretty rabidly ADHD-denialist and make it incredibly difficult to get a diagnosis.