The first time Kevin Mutua heard of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), he was 21.

It was not in a doctor’s office or a psychology class. It was on TikTok. He had spent most of his teen life being called ‘lazy’, ‘scatterbrained’, or ‘too much’ because he was struggling with deadlines, he narrates.

And it did not end at that.

“I was zoning out mid-conversation, and battling an attention span that seemed allergic to anything remotely dull,” he says.

Then, one late-night doom-scroll session led him to a video titled ‘Signs You Might Have ADHD And Not Just Be Lazy’. The more he watched, the more everything clicked.

For a generation raised in the age of social media, ADHD is not just a medical term. It is a shared experience, a meme, a running joke about unfinished tasks and hyperfixations. But beyond all of it, there is a growing conversation about why so many Gen Zs are either being diagnosed or suspecting they might have ADHD.

Pressure to perform

A study done by several clinicians in Kenya showed that cases of ADHD have increased from 18 per cent to 45 per cent.

Experts have different takes on this surge, with some arguing that it is increased awareness, while others caution that self-diagnosis through platforms like TikTok can be a double-edged sword. But why does it seem like so many Gen Zs are getting diagnosed with ADHD now? Is it increased awareness, or is there something unique about this generation’s lifestyle?

According to Dr. Agnes Ratteng’ a clinical psychologist in Nairobi, it is a mix of both.
“There is definitely more awareness, but Gen Z also grew up in an environment that magnifies ADHD symptoms. Constant notifications, short-form content, and the pressure to multitask. It is like the modern world was designed to overstimulate an ADHD brain,” the expert notes.

This overstimulation is part of why so many Gen Zs resonate with ADHD symptoms. Between juggling multiple side hustles, academic pressure, and a digital culture that rewards instant gratification, attention spans are under attack.

In Kenya, where students are expected to conform to rigid learning structures and workplaces demand high efficiency, undiagnosed ADHD can feel like an endless struggle to fit into a mould that was never made for you.

Kevin, like many others, have turned to the internet for answers. The online ADHD community is a lifeline for people who have spent years wondering why their brains work the way they do. But with that accessibility comes another challenge, misinformation.

Ratteng’ warns that not every viral ADHD post is rooted in science. With social media shaping the ADHD conversation, are we seeing more understanding or more misinformation?

“Both,” she admits. “People are learning about ADHD in ways they never would have before, which is great. But the downside is that oversimplified or exaggerated content can make some believe they have ADHD when it might be something else entirely, like anxiety or burnout.”

The line between genuine ADHD and the struggles of navigating a high-stress world is blurry, and Kenya’s healthcare system does not make it any easier. Getting a proper diagnosis can be expensive, and the stigma surrounding mental health means many never even consider it an option.

“I always thought ADHD was a mzungu (whites) thing,” Kevin says.

“Like, it was something children in American movies had. No one ever told me a Kenyan could have it.”

This belief is not unique to him.

ADHD in Kenya, especially among adults, is rarely discussed. Women, in particular, face even more barriers to diagnosis because ADHD symptoms in girls often present as daydreaming or emotional dysregulation rather than the stereotypical hyperactivity associated with boys.

Ratteng’ points out that many women only realise they have ADHD in their 20s or 30s after years of being misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression.

Beyond diagnosis, there is the question of support. Kenya’s work and school systems are not built for neurodivergent minds. The rigid 8-to-5 office structure, the expectation of sustained focus, and a culture that equates productivity with discipline can make ADHD feel like a constant uphill battle.

And what are the biggest misconceptions about ADHD in young adults today, and how do they impact those trying to get diagnosed or manage their symptoms?

“The biggest one? That ADHD is just about being easily distracted. People do not realise it affects emotional regulation, memory, and even how people perceive time. When someone with ADHD struggles, it is not because they are lazy, it is because their brain is wired differently. But in a culture that values efficiency over individuality, that is often misunderstood.”

For Kevin, understanding his ADHD has been both a relief and a challenge. While he now has a name for what he has been experiencing, finding help has not been easy.

Therapy is expensive

Therapy is expensive, medication is hard to access, and even when he tries to explain his struggles to family, he is met with blank stares or dismissive comments.

Consultation fees to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist range from Sh3,000 to Sh5,000. If one is prescribed medication, the cost can come to almost Sh10,000.

“It is frustrating,” he says. “I wish people understood that I’m not making excuses. I just process things differently.”

What to do

According to mind experts, for those drowning in this mental sea, the various interventions include medication, mindfulness training, gaming, counselling, occupational therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, elimination Diet, and sports or aerobic activities.

Experts advice that whichever treatment path the patient and or the caregiver choose, the intervention needs to be:

•Patient-focused: The treatment should focus on reducing the symptoms of ADHD (impulsivity, hyperactivity, and Inattention).

•Parent-focused: It is critical to acknowledge that parents need frequent training to understand what ADHD is and the various ways
they can support their children. The training will aid the parents in understanding the impact of ADHD on the rest of the family, the impact on their marriage, and finally, the impact on their mental health. On that score, the parents require solid support groups to help them cope with the challenge.

•School-focused: Teachers also need knowledge of ADHD because they handle the learners on a frequent basis. These tools will aid them to know the nature of this disorder and how to help learner.