In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in ADHD diagnoses across all age groups as more people are developing ADHD.
According to recent studies, ADHD diagnoses in the United States have increased by more than 40% over the past two decades. In adults, particularly women, the numbers have nearly doubled in the last ten years.
Some also attribute this trend to growing awareness and better diagnostic tools. Others believe that modern life, with its endless distractions, constant screen time, and pressure to multitask, is making it harder than ever to focus, manage time, or stay emotionally regulated.
Moreover, many studies have documented an increase in ADHD symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, attributed to heightened stress, social isolation, and altered home and work environments. It was anticipated that symptoms would persist beyond the initial pandemic surge. For example, working from home blurred the lines between personal and professional life. Parents suddenly became teachers, and routines changed drastically. For many, these changes uncovered long-standing struggles that had previously gone unnoticed. Tasks that once felt manageable, such as managing emails or keeping track of appointments, became overwhelming. As a result, more adults sought help and received a diagnosis that finally explained what they had experienced for years.
Technology also plays a role. Smartphones, social media, and 24/7 connectivity have contributed to shortened attention spans and cognitive overload. While these tools can be helpful, they can also mask or amplify symptoms of ADHD. For some, the fast-paced digital world mimics ADHD-like behaviors. For others, it worsens existing challenges, making it even harder to stay present and focused.
But the rise in ADHD is not just about screens and stress. It also reflects a deeper shift in how we talk about mental health. More people today are willing to explore why they feel overwhelmed, scattered, or emotionally reactive. More professionals are trained to recognize ADHD in adults, especially those who do not present in stereotypical ways. And more stories are being shared by real people who are learning to understand their own brains.
Rachel Leigh Wills’ memoirSoundtrack Of A Misfit (The Remix): Adventures in ADHD & Addiction is one of those stories. Her journey through ADHD, addiction, and healing speaks to the experiences of countless others who spent years feeling different without knowing why. As more people read stories like hers, they realize they are not alone. They realize they are not broken and just need support that fits their life and their struggle living with ADHD.
Soundtrack of a Misfit is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt different, misunderstood, or stuck in a cycle of shame and silence. It’s especially powerful for adults navigating ADHD, recovery, or trauma. Wills speaks to her readers with empathy, grace, and an unwavering sense of realness.
Soundtrack of a Misfit is the powerful debut memoir of Rachel Leigh Wills, an expert mental health professional. This coming-of-age story follows a late bloomer who grew up in the 1980s with undiagnosed ADHD and a deep desire to belong. A sensitive and curious Jewish girl, Rachel dreamed of becoming a punk rocker but found herself weighed down by guilt, family expectations, and internal chaos.
From being teased for being too slow, too sensitive, and too small, to escaping into music and nature, her story traces a lifelong journey of self-discovery. Through travels across the United States, Jamaica, and Israel, and after a string of colorful jobs, Rachel finally finds her place in sobriety and service.
In this regard, she transforms her personal struggles with ADHD, addiction, and identity into a meaningful life as a therapist helping others find healing. With humor, grit, and heart, she reclaims her voice and proudly calls herself a wildflower—a survivor who thrives outside the lines. This memoir is a tribute to anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in, and a reminder that growth often comes from the most unexpected paths.
