ADHD prescriptions jump 18% year-on-year - study

Prescriptions for drugs to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have increased 18% each year since the Covid pandemic, a new study has found.

Research from experts at the University of Huddersfield and Aston University suggested there was an upward trend in prescriptions for the condition in each region across England.

This could be due to increasing awareness of ADHD via social media, encouranging more people to seek diagnosis and treatment, the project found.

However, experts warned that "misinformation on these platforms may lead to misconceptions about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment".

A second reason behind the rise in prescriptions could be the "strong association between the impact of the (Covid) pandemic and the worsening of ADHD symptoms," researchers said.

The study, which was published in the journal BMJ Mental Health, calculated that prescriptions in England "increased significantly" from 25.17 items per 1,000 population in 2019/20 (before Covid) to 41.55 items in 2023/24, with an average annual increase of 18% nationally.

English prescribing data was used for the five currently licensed ADHD drugs at national, regional, and NHS integrated care board (ICB) levels.

Those drugs are the stimulants methylphenidate - such as Ritalin, Concerta and Delmosart - dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine and two non-stimulants - atomoxetine and guanfacine.

The study found that methylphenidate remained the most-prescribed medication while lisdexamfetamine showed the highest growth rate (55% annually).

It said there was an upwards trend, but there were variations across the regions with "an average yearly increase ranging from 13% in the North East and Yorkshire region to 28% in the London region".

The experts said use of ADHD medicines in children and adults was supported by "substantial evidence", including that they improved quality of life and ability, and cut substance misuse.

People with ADHD are known to suffer inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, and may struggle to concentrate on a given task, or suffer extreme fidgeting.

Dr Ulrich Muller-Sedgwick, ADHD champion at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said people with the condition need access to timely and effective assessment, "followed by the appropriate treatment".

"The right diagnosis and care, including medication and reasonable adjustments, can greatly benefit people's health and support them to reach their full potential at school, university or work.

"We know that expanding ADHD services through targeted investment would help ensure people receive the vital care they need," he added.

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