Myths about ADHD, such as the idea that it only affects children or is caused by poor parenting, stop many people getting diagnosed. For ADHD Awareness Month, we built Psychiatry UK's broadcast PR campaign around that problem: an estimated 2.6 million people in the UK could have ADHD, and many women and girls go undiagnosed because they do not show the typical signs. We put a psychiatrist from Psychiatry UK on air alongside a married couple both recently diagnosed with ADHD, across a radio day of interviews plus TV. The campaign secured 10 items of radio and TV coverage reaching 2.9 million, including London Live, That's TV York, Notts TV and Radio News Hub.
Psychiatry UK wanted to raise awareness of ADHD, its symptoms and the treatment available.
The message
Most adults with ADHD are undiagnosed, and the stigma attached to it causes problems at school, at work and in relationships.
The angle
ADHD Awareness Month and the myths that stop people getting diagnosed, such as the ideas that it only affects children or is caused by poor parenting. An estimated 2.6 million people in the UK could have ADHD, and many women and girls go undiagnosed because they do not show the typical signs.
On air
A psychiatrist from Psychiatry UK and a married couple both recently diagnosed with ADHD
The result
10 items of coverage reaching 2.9 million, including Radio News Hub, London Live, That's TV York, BBC Radio Lancashire.
About ADHD Awareness Month
ADHD Awareness Month runs every October. It started in the United States and is backed internationally by groups including ADHD Europe, with UK charities and clinics taking part. Its aim is to share reliable information about ADHD and to challenge the stigma around it. It gives producers a reason to cover the subject, and brands with a credible spokesperson a way onto radio and TV.
Planning ADHD Awareness Month for 2027?
ADHD Awareness Month next runs through October 2027. Talk to the team about a broadcast PR campaign that gets your spokesperson on radio and TV.
