ADHD and Autism 'Overdiagnosis' Review Raises Questions Over Timing as More Women Are Diagnosed

A woman attends a medical consultation. A government-commissioned review warning of potential ADHD and autism overdiagnosis has sparked questions about its timing as awareness of these conditions among women grows (Credit: MART PRODUCTION/Pexels)

A government‑commissioned review warning of a growing risk of ADHD and autism 'overdiagnosis' has been published at a time when diagnoses of these conditions have risen sharply and when women and girls, historically overlooked, are finally gaining wider recognition.

Published on 9 October, the findings have prompted debate online, with some questioning why concerns about excessive diagnoses are gaining attention just as awareness of how these conditions can present in women has improved.