Why ADHD has become the most searched disorder in Italy

May is Mental Health Awareness Month , observed in many countries, including the United States, and increasingly in Europe and Italy. The main goal is to raise awareness of the importance of mental health , fight the stigma associated with mental disorders, and promote access to resources and support. Nowadays, everyone, thanks to the Internet, can search for information on symptoms and diseases in a few seconds. But what are the main psychological difficulties and the most searched symptoms online in Italy and Europe? And what are the perceptions, expectations and challenges related to mental well-being?

May is Mental Health Month

To answer these questions, we got help from Unobravo , a leading European provider of online psychological support services, which analyzed Google search data to identify the most commonly searched indicators, emotions and psychological symptoms in Europe and Italy and which published the first edition of Unobravo MINDex - The Mental Well-Being Barometer of Italians , an in-depth investigation into perceptions, expectations and challenges related to mental well-being .

As for the most searched symptoms, the results of the survey speak clearly: in first place for number of searches we find ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), with an average of 146,000 monthly searches, a sign of growing attention, and perhaps also greater awareness, towards a condition often underestimated in adults. Next, we find Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with 55,700 monthly searches, and Alzheimer's, with 54,000. This last data also highlights the concern related to aging and mental health in old age, an increasingly central theme in a progressively aging society. Burnout , with 40,000 searches, confirms the growing weight of work-related stress on the psychological health of Italians.

Depression , one of the most well-known and widespread conditions, ranks fifth with 36,500 monthly searches. Although it is not at the top of the list, it remains one of the most important topics in psychology , and the number of searches suggests a continued need for understanding, support and information. In short, a picture that clearly highlights not only the most widespread disorders, but also a greater interest in mental health by Italians.

The Mental Health Barometer of Italians instead, involved both the public (a random sample of 2250 adults between 18 and 50 years old in Italy, with a high number of female and older responses) and clinical professionals exploring three areas: the perception of mental health in society and in public discourse, experiences, obstacles and the role of psychological therapy and mental care in the workplace. Although attention on psychological well-being is growing, the road to defeating stigma, misinformation and cultural legacies is still uphill. In fact, only a minority of respondents – 16% – perceive mental health as a topic addressed openly, with men (19%) more optimistic than women (13%), while 28% believe that it still remains a delicate and difficult to discuss topic.

The data that emerges most strongly is that, for 81% of Italians , psychological distress is still seen as an indicator of character fragility . Rewriting the narrative are the younger generations: a full 43% of respondents in the 18-29 age group believe that a positive transformation is underway in the way mental health is viewed.

One of the most worrying aspects that emerged concerns the behavior of many Italians, especially women and young people, often forced to pretend to be fine . At a generational level, the situation is even more accentuated between 18 and 29 years old: a good 38% say they have had to hide their emotional distress, of these, 20% do it daily. As for the over 40s, 36% say they never or almost never pretend. This phenomenon highlights the persistent difficulty, in our society, of normalizing emotional vulnerability as a legitimate component of the human experience.

Moreover, this “mask” is often worn to defend oneself from stereotypical comments : more than 4 out of 10 Italians have said they have heard or said the following phrase: “Everyone has problems, deal with them.” Women report hearing this expression more often than men (48% vs. 38% of men). Even among the youngest, a significant group says they have been dismissed with expressions such as “atai solo veramente veramente” (39%).

In short, a dramatic picture to which is added the role of accelerator in the demand for psychological support that the pandemic has had an impact on : 66% of clinical professionals have registered an increase in requests since the first lockdown, estimated in many cases between 26% and 50%.

And to further clarify why ADHD is in first place, to understand which people are most affected by these types of disorders and to explain how these pathologies have changed with the advent of social media, we interviewed the clinical director of Unobravo, Valeria Fiorenza Perris who also explained to Luce! how to avoid creating alarmism among people affected by these symptoms.

Clinical Director of Unobravo Valeria Fiorenza Perris

Director Perris, why is ADHD the most searched for psychological disorders online in Italy?

“In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of ADHD, particularly in its adult form, which until recently was often underdiagnosed. The fact that ADHD is now the most searched for psychological disorder online confirms a widespread need for information and clarification. The increase in visibility on social media, personal testimonials shared by creators and influencers, and the evolution of more accessible clinical language have helped make the topic less stigmatized and more discussed, leading many people to identify with the symptoms and seek support or diagnosis.”

In your experience, who are the people who suffer most from these five disorders? Men or women? Young people/adolescents or older people?

“According to our latest survey , women are the ones who report a greater impact on their mental health. In particular, compared to their male counterparts, they more frequently experience social anxiety and low self-esteem. In fact, 74% of Unobravo patients are women, with an average age of about 33. In general, young adults seem to be the most affected: 87% of users are under 40. This is an age group that is facing numerous changes (identity, work, family), often without the adequate tools to manage them, which explains the greater demand for psychological support.”

Has social media changed the perception of these pathologies a bit?

“Yes, social media have played a key role in making mental health issues more visible, helping to reduce stigma. Always referring to the latest research we conducted, today people feel freer to talk about their discomfort, also thanks to the normalization of the therapeutic path. However, it should be emphasized that the dissemination of content that is not always scientifically accurate can lead to a sort of 'do-it-yourself self-diagnosis' or a trivialization of symptoms. For this reason, it is essential to distinguish between useful dissemination and sensationalist or misleading content.”

How can we provide good and healthy information so as not to create alarmism among people affected by these disorders?

"It is essential to rely on authoritative sources and qualified professionals. Good information starts with clear but rigorous language, which avoids labels or simplifications. Another key aspect is the normalization of discomfort, without minimizing it: explaining that it is common to feel overwhelmed at certain times, but that there are tools to deal with what worries us, can be much more useful than creating alarmism. The role of the media is also crucial: giving space to authentic experiences and professional explanations helps to build a more empathetic and informed dialogue."

What are the consequences of poor mental health on quality of life?

“Neglected mental health has a profound impact on every area of ​​life: from interpersonal relationships to work productivity, from sleep to stress management. Emotional and behavioral disorders are among the main causes of discomfort among Italians today. Ignoring them can only lead to a worsening of symptoms, relationship difficulties and a growing feeling of loneliness. Investing in your mental health means, in fact, improving the quality of your life in a concrete and lasting way.”