You often read that ADHD is diagnosed more frequently in adults. What lies behind such figures depends on which data are considered and how they were collected. This guide presents the figures published by AOK Rheinland/Hamburg (a German statutory health insurer) in July 2026, explains what they show and what they leave open, and points to further information on diagnosis.
Short answer: According to AOK Rheinland/Hamburg, the number of adult insured persons with an ADHD diagnosis rose from 5,736 in 2014 to 16,864 in 2024. The share of insured persons grew from 0.23 to 0.65 percent. The figures refer to this insurer’s insured persons in the Rhine and Ruhr areas and Hamburg and cannot simply be transferred to Germany as a whole. Last updated: press release of 10 July 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- AOK Rheinland/Hamburg reports a clear increase in ADHD diagnoses among its adult insured persons between 2014 and 2024.
- The figures come from analyses of the insurer’s own insured persons and refer to the Rhine and Ruhr areas and Hamburg.
- The share of women among the diagnoses rose from 32.7 to 39.4 percent.
- The figures show a development in the data, not automatically an increase in those affected. Whether more people are affected or more diagnoses are made remains open.
- Anyone with a diagnosis or a suspicion can find the process in the guide on ADHD diagnosis in adulthood (in German).
Which figures does the AOK report?
The press release of 10 July 2026 describes the development of diagnoses between 2014 and 2024. The analysis refers to the adult insured persons of AOK Rheinland/Hamburg in the Rhine and Ruhr areas and Hamburg. The table summarises the main figures.
| Year | Adult insured persons with an ADHD diagnosis | Share of insured persons | Share of women among diagnoses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 5,736 | 0.23 percent | 32.7 percent |
| 2024 | 16,864 | 0.65 percent | 39.4 percent |
The source of the table is the AOK press release of 10 July 2026. Arithmetically, 16,864 divided by 5,736 gives a factor of 2.9. This is our own calculation based on the press release and not a figure given by the AOK. It applies only to this insurer and this region.
What does the rising share of women mean?
According to the AOK, the share of women among the diagnoses rose from 32.7 to 39.4 percent. The figures do not show why the share has shifted.
The figures alone do not show reliably whether more women are actually affected or whether diagnoses are now made earlier and more often. Answering that would require data that go beyond the insured persons of a single insurer. More on symptoms and assessment in women is in the guide ADHD in adult women: typical signs and assessment.
Why can the figures be transferred only to a limited extent?
An analysis of one health insurer’s data describes the people insured with that insurer. It is not a survey of the entire population. The insured group, the region and the way diagnoses are documented can influence the result. The press release names the data basis but does not go into the methodology in detail.
The figure for Germany as a whole should therefore be read with caution. Anyone looking for a nationwide classification needs evaluations that cover all insured persons or official statistics. This guide does not provide a nationwide figure from an official source.
How do you check a figure from the press?
Figures on mental health diagnoses often reach the public as a headline, and the background is then missing. Before you adopt a statement, it is worth a short look in three directions: the original source, the period and the question of who was counted. A guide like this does not replace the original source, but it helps with classification.
- Find the press release or study the article refers to, and read the information on the data basis yourself.
- Check whether the period is comparable and whether the figure refers to diagnoses or to people affected.
- Look at the insured group or sample and whether it can be representative of the general population.
If a figure passes all three checks, it is a usable basis for your own reasoning. If a check is not possible, the statement remains provisional and should be treated as such.
What do the figures not say?
The figures say nothing about why diagnoses have increased. They also do not say how many affected adults receive treatment or how long waiting times are. A diagnosis is, moreover, not a statement about therapy or medication. These are separate questions that only a professional can clarify in the individual case.
When you read headlines, pay attention to the basis: period, insured group, region and whether the figure refers to diagnoses or to people affected. These four points decide how reliable a statement is.
How does an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood work?
The diagnosis is made by a professional who considers life history, everyday life and current complaints. The individual steps from the first appointment to the findings are described in the guide ADHD diagnosis in adulthood: process from the first appointment to the result. This guide focuses on the figures and their classification.
If you already have a diagnosis or wonder whether it is relevant to you, it helps to note your complaints in advance. This structures the conversation and makes it easier to tell them apart from other strains such as exam stress or sleep problems.
What changes in studies?
With an ADHD diagnosis, practical questions often arise in studies, for example about examination formats, deadlines or organising learning. Many universities know a compensation for disadvantage (Nachteilsausgleich). Whether and to what extent it is granted is governed by the examination regulations and the university. An overview of what you need is in ADHD in studies: compensation for disadvantage and advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does a rise in diagnoses automatically mean ADHD is becoming more common?
Not necessarily. More diagnoses can also mean that those affected are recognised earlier or assessed more often. To tell these apart, data over a longer period and across different insured groups are needed. The AOK figures alone do not answer this question.
Can I diagnose myself with an online test?
No. Online tests can give hints about whether a conversation with a professional makes sense. A diagnosis requires a professional assessment, which considers far more than a list of questions.
Why do I read different figures in the press?
Different media use different analyses, which vary in period, region or insured group. For each figure, check which source it comes from and what basis it has before you adopt it.
What if I suspect symptoms in myself?
A visit to your GP practice is worthwhile, which may refer you on to a specialist service. Note in advance in which situations the complaints occur and what consequences they have for studies or work.
What to do now
- Read the AOK press release yourself to assess the period, region and data basis.
- Note your observations on concentration, organisation and impulsivity in everyday life before you book an appointment.
- Clarify with your university which support is possible in studies if a diagnosis exists.
Related guides
- ADHD diagnosis in adulthood: process from the first appointment to the result
- ADHD in adult women: typical signs and assessment
- ADHD in studies: compensation for disadvantage and advice
- Student Mental Health: How to Stay Stable
Sources:
AOK Rheinland/Hamburg: Press release of 10.07.2026 on ADHD diagnoses in adults (PDF, German)
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
