ADHD Statistic
How common is ADHD?
This page provides important data on the prevalence of ADHD. Stay informed on the latest statistics and trends related to ADHD.
ADHD global prevalence
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children and adults, with a global prevalence of approximately 7% and 2%, respectively.
Children with ADHD
Adult with ADHD
ADHD Hong Kong prevalence
The prevalence of ADHD in Hong Kong is estimated to be 6.4% in children and adolescents and approximately 2.5% in adults, similar to the global prevalence.
Adult with ADHD
Children with ADHD
Estimate Hong Kong ADHD Population
Based on the prevalence of ADHD in Hong Kong, the estimated ADHD population in Hong Kong is 210,790. This includes children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD, which is more than the population of the Wan Chai district. It is, therefore, crucial to give attention and provide more resources and support to individuals with ADHD.
210,790
Children, Adolescents & Adults
38,200
2021 Census and Statistics
Department record
Hong Kong Population (2022) :
Children and adolescents (age 5 -19 years) = 833,400
Adult (over age 20 years) = 6,298,100
Wan Chai Council district population (2021) : 165,100
Estimate ADHD population:
Children and adolescents (age 5 -19 years) = 833,400 x 6.4% = 53,338
Adult (over age 20 years) = 6,298,100 x 2.5% = 157,452
ADHD population: 53,338 + 157,452 = 210,790
Estimate Hong Kong ADHD Population
(under 19 years old)
The estimated prevalence of ADHD in children and adolescents in Hong Kong is 6.4%.
Based on the population of Hong Kong at the end of 2022, this translates to approximately 53,338 individuals.
Estimate ADHD population:
Children and adolescents (age 5 -19 years) = 833,400 x 6.4% = 53,338
Estimate Hong Kong ADHD Population
(over 20 years old)
Adult ADHD is often overlooked, and only those diagnosed with the disorder receive attention. However, a large population of adults in Hong Kong may have undiagnosed ADHD.
Based on recent estimates, Hong Kong's adult population over 20 is approximately 6,298,100. Of this population, it is estimated that 6.8%, or 428,270 individuals, exhibit symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, an estimated 2.5% of adults, or 157,452 individuals, are likely to have ADHD.
428,270
(Estimated symptomatic
Adult ADHD Population)
157,452
(Estimated Adult with
ADHD Population)
6,298,100
(Adult Population)
2.5%
of population
6.8%
100%
of population
of population
Hong Kong Population (2022) :
Adult (over age 20 years) = 6,298,100
ADHD symptoms can persist into adulthood
It was previously believed that ADHD only occurred in children and would disappear as they grew up. However, recent studies have found that around 65% of people with ADHD will continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.
65%
Reference:
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Thomas R, Sanders S, Doust J, Beller E, Glasziou P. Prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatrics. 2015;135(4):e994-1001.
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Song P, Zha M, Yang Q, Zhang Y, Li X, Rudan I. The prevalence of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A global systematic review and meta-analysis. J Glob Health. 2021;11:04009
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University of Hong Kong. (2023, March 29). HKU researchers develop new method to detect early-stage Alzheimer’s disease [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.hku.hk/press/press-releases/detail/18423.html
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Wang, Y., Chen, R., Hu, H., & Yan, Y. (2018). Prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms among outpatients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(6), 498-510. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30293-1
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Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics - Population. Census and Statistics Department. Available at https://www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/web_table.html?id=110-01001 [Accessed 30 Mar. 2023].
