ADHD Prevalence in Europe: A Meta-Analysis

Plain-language summary

Research suggests that the prevalence of ADHD in the European general population varies, with different studies reporting slightly different figures. However, these studies consistently point to ADHD being a significant public health consideration, affecting both children and adults across Europe.

Key findings

• One meta-analysis from 2024, focusing on the broader prevalence of mental disorders in European children and adolescents, found an overall prevalence of ADHD that varied by age group and diagnostic criteria.
• Another comprehensive 2024 meta-analysis specifically on ADHD prevalence indicated a pooled prevalence rate within the European population, highlighting differences between child and adult populations.
• Both studies used robust methods, combining data from many individual studies to provide a broad picture of ADHD prevalence.

Studies cited (2)

1. Prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): systematic review and meta-analysis — Popit S, Serod K, Locatelli I (2024, European psychiatry : the journal of the Association of European Psychiatrists, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.1786 PMCID: PMC11536208

2. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of mental disorders among children and adolescents in Europe — Sacco R, Camilleri N, Eberhardt J (2024, European child & adolescent psychiatry, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02131-2 PMCID: PMC9800241