Life Matters - Full program podcast
Life Matters - Full program podcast
ABC Australia
What's going on with adult ADHD diagnosis and is optimism dead?
55 minutes Posted Apr 20, 2026 at 11:00 pm.
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Adult diagnoses of ADHD have soared in recent years, but the system is still struggling to support everyone. A Four Corners investigation has revealed hotspots where prescriptions for ADHD medication are higher than expected, and pockets of missed diagnosis. So if you're seeking out assessment for ADHD, how do you know where to find it? Clinical psychologist Maddi Derrick and social worker Sarah Hayden share what to look out for.
According to a poll from the Australian National University, most people think life was better 50 years ago. But does that mean optimism is dead? Tim Sharp from The Happiness Institute explains why hope isn't about ignoring reality and why optimism doesn't have to mean being naive.
New research suggests the public are in favour of a permanent move to sports uniforms, to make it easier for children to keep active every day. And this shift could have other hidden benefits to students' overall wellbeing.