Underdiagnosis

A pattern where a medical condition goes unrecognized and undiagnosed in a significant portion of the affected population. ADHD is substantially underdiagnosed in women, adults, and people of color due to diagnostic criteria historically developed based on hyperactive boys, lack of clinician awareness of diverse presentations, and structural barriers to accessing assessment. Underdiagnosis drives people to seek information through informal channels like social media and video-sharing platforms, highlighting the importance of accurate, accessible health information online.