Awareness and treatment of ADHD have increased steadily in recent years,1 with more people seeking diagnosis and treatment than ever before. And that’s encouraging. What’s not encouraging is that, for racially and ethnically marginalized communities — particularly Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Indigenous populations — significant gaps in diagnosis and treatment remain.2 Let’s take a closer look at what’s behind these disparities and what opportunities exist.
Why diagnosis matters
Properly treating ADHD starts with a diagnosis. Critical support like school or work accommodations, counseling, and medication all require a formal diagnosis. Without one, those with ADHD can experience decreased performance, increased stress, more disciplinary actions, and even a higher risk of dropping out.3
More diagnoses, but still underdiagnosed
Several factors contribute to people of color being less likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis.
Implicit bias: Implicit bias can lead clinicians to interpret the same behaviors differently based on a patient’s race or ethnicity. They may be more responsive to White patients and see them as needing support for a mental health issue, while the same behavior in a Black patient may be dismissed as simple disruptive conduct or blamed on lifestyle.
Cultural mistrust: A 2024 report from the Pew Research Center showed that 55% of Black Americans said they’ve had negative experiences with doctors, while the CDC reported that nearly 1 in 5 Hispanics say they avoid medical care due to the fear of poor treatment or discrimination.
These gaps in institutional trust are obstacles to the proper treatment of a variety of conditions, including ADHD. According to 2023 data from the American Psychological Association, 79% of the U.S. psychology workforce is White, with Black and Hispanic providers accounting for only 5% and 8% respectively. One important step in building that trust could be increased representation among mental health providers.
Limited access: A lack of access to quality health care is another factor contributing to the disparity in ADHD diagnosis. People from underrepresented groups may have limited access to resources like educational materials and support groups not to mention transportation, technology, and school-based mental health support. They may also face language barriers that prevent proper diagnosis or treatment.
Additionally, within the U.S., rates of health insurance coverage are significantly lower among people of color than for their White counterparts.4
Lingering stigmas: Despite strides made over the years, mental health issues are still considered taboo in many communities. Research indicates that Black, Hispanic, and Asian teens may not seek mental health care because of parental stigma. This stigma can sometimes lead to delayed treatment or reliance on disciplinary systems) rather than clinical intervention. While younger generations are more open about mental health, they may be held back by parental hesitation.5
Overcoming the disparities
Just as there are multiple factors that contribute to these disparities, there are many steps that the healthcare system can take to overcome them:
- Increase awareness of ADHD symptoms across all communities
- Provide more training for healthcare providers to recognize ADHD in different cultural contexts
- Improve access to culturally competent care and multilingual resources
- Reduce stigma through open conversations, education, and community engagement
- Advocate for policy changes that expand coverage and address inequality in mental health care
- Screen for ADHD using culturally responsive, validated tools
The ultimate goal is to make sure everyone has an equal chance at getting the help they need. ADHD affects people of all backgrounds, and access to diagnosis and treatment should reflect that.
1 The Science of ADHD: The Evolution of ADHD As a Psychological Disorder
2 ADHD Diagnostic Trends: Increased Recognition or Overdiagnosis?
Clinically reviewed by Chereka Kluttz, DO, JD. Dr. Kluttz is a board-certified physician with over a decade of experience in ADHD, anxiety, and depression care. She offers comprehensive evaluations and medical management through Mentavi Health. Her background includes primary care, clinical leadership, and medical ethics, and she previously served as a hospital Medical Director. She holds a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine and a JD with a focus in health law.
