ADHD Medication Use Triples in UK in 13 Years
- The proportion of people in the United Kingdom prescribed medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has tripled in the last ten years, with a especially sharp increase...
- Researchers from the University of Oxford analyzed electronic health records from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK to determine ADHD medication usage in individuals aged three...
- The UK experienced the largest relative increase in ADHD medication prevalence among all age groups, rising from 0.12% in 2010 to 0.39% in 2023.
ADHD Medication Use Triples in the UK Over Decade, Shows Study
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The proportion of people in the United Kingdom prescribed medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has tripled in the last ten years, with a especially sharp increase among adult women, according too a new study published in the Lancet Regional Health – Europe journal.
Prevalence Increase Across Europe
Researchers from the University of Oxford analyzed electronic health records from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK to determine ADHD medication usage in individuals aged three and older.the study tracked five common medications: methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine, and guanfacine. Prevalence of ADHD medication use rose across all five countries between 2010 and 2023.
UK Shows Highest Relative Increase
The UK experienced the largest relative increase in ADHD medication prevalence among all age groups, rising from 0.12% in 2010 to 0.39% in 2023. This represents a more than threefold increase. The Netherlands also saw a notable rise, with prevalence more than doubling from 0.67% to 1.56% over the same period.
Dramatic Rise in Adult Female Prescriptions
adult medication use increased substantially across all countries studied,but the most notable change was among women. In the UK, the prevalence of ADHD medication use in women aged 25 and over increased twentyfold between 2010 and 2023. The study does not specify the exact percentage increase, but highlights the significant shift in prescribing patterns.
Study Details and Publication
The research findings were published on January 16, 2025, in the Lancet Regional Health – Europe journal (PIIS2666-7762(25)00348-5). The study provides a broad overview of medication trends and does not explore the reasons behind the increases.