Diagnosing ADHD in a Post-Pandemic World: What’s Changed and Why It Matters
- Agave Health Team
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
If it feels like everyone you know is suddenly getting diagnosed with ADHD, you’re not imagining it.
Over the last five years, awareness around adult ADHD has skyrocketed, thanks to a combination of pandemic-fueled life changes, a surge in mental health conversations online, and a long-overdue shift in how we view neurodiversity. But with that rise in awareness has come a host of new questions:
Why now?
What makes a diagnosis meaningful?
And how do you find the right kind of care in a system that still feels confusing, or even dismissive?
We recently sat down with Dr. David Sitt, Chief Clinical Officer at Agave Health, to unpack how the landscape has shifted and what adults need to know about ADHD diagnosis in today’s world.
🎥 Watch the Full Conversation
Want to hear the full conversation with Dr. David Sitt? We dive into how ADHD diagnosis has changed, why the pandemic was a tipping point, and what adults need to know about getting the right kind of care.
Watch the replay here:
From Childhood Disorder to Lifelong Experience
ADHD used to be viewed as something kids “grew out of.” But that outdated perspective has shifted, largely because the kids who were diagnosed in the ’80s and ’90s grew up. And for many, their symptoms never went away. For others, the signs of ADHD were missed entirely in childhood, only to emerge later in life when systems of support—like school structure, family routines, or workplace scaffolding—fell away.
Dr. Sitt, who was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a grad student in the early 2000s, recalls being referred to child-focused providers because adult ADHD care simply didn’t exist. “The DSM at the time didn’t even describe adult ADHD,” he said. “We didn’t have the language or training to recognize it.”
Why the Pandemic Was a Tipping Point
The shift to remote work during the pandemic changed everything. Suddenly, routines disappeared, structure dissolved, and people had to rely on internal systems—like time management, task initiation, and focus—to navigate daily life. For many, those systems just… didn’t exist. And for the first time, the cracks became visible.
At the same time:
Mental health strain was at an all-time high
More people began seeking therapy or self-help resources
Social media exploded with ADHD content, helping reduce stigma and build community
“People weren’t just talking about ADHD; they were seeing themselves in those conversations for the first time,” said Dr. Sitt.
A Surge in Demand and a Shortage in Care
With more adults than ever seeking evaluations, the mental health system simply couldn’t keep up. Waitlists ballooned. Trained providers were hard to find. And many people were left confused or unsupported.
Some key facts:
Only 8% of primary care providers feel confident diagnosing adult ADHD
Many therapists still receive little to no training on neurodiversity
ADHD medications remain hard to access due to ongoing shortages
This is exactly why Agave Health was founded: to provide fast, accessible, and evidence-based care designed for adults with ADHD.
What an ADHD Evaluation Should Actually Look Like
Not all ADHD assessments are created equal. Clicking through a 6-question quiz online? Not a real diagnosis.
At Agave Health, our diagnostic process includes:
Comprehensive intake – evaluating life history, mental health background, and potential differential diagnoses like anxiety, trauma, or depression
ADHD symptom deep dive – using evidence-based tools to assess symptoms in both childhood and adulthood
Collaborative feedback session – sharing findings and building a tailored care plan, whether that includes therapy, coaching, medication, or all three
The goal? Clarity, not confusion. And support that meets you where you are.
Why Diagnosis Still Matters—Even Late in Life
You might wonder: If I’ve made it this far without a diagnosis, is it even worth it?
According to Dr. Sitt, the answer is a resounding yes.
“ADHD isn’t something you outgrow or fix; it’s a brain style. And once you understand that, you can start using methods and mindsets that work for you,” he shared. “Diagnosis helps you drop the shame and pick up tools that increase your probability of success; in work, relationships, and daily life.”
The Future of ADHD Care Is Collaborative
What excites us most? The growing movement toward strength-based, community-driven ADHD support. Stigma is dropping. Workplaces are starting to get it. And more people are discovering that they’re not broken, they just need the right strategies and support.
At Agave, that’s exactly what we offer: fast, thorough evaluations, ADHD-informed therapy, and practical coaching that helps you live better, day by day, week by week.
Want to learn more about how we support adults with ADHD?
Explore our services in the Agave Health app—now available nationwide for coaching and community, and expanding state by state for diagnosis and therapy.
Comments