A new study has revealed a troubling trend in the UK, where the use of medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has more than tripled over the past 13 years. The research, led by the University of Oxford, examined electronic health records from five European countries, including the UK, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain.
The findings show that the prevalence of ADHD medication use in the UK increased from 0.12% in 2010 to 0.39% in 2023, representing a more than threefold rise. This increase was the highest among the five countries studied, with the UK leading the way.
The most striking changes were observed among adults, particularly women. In the UK, the proportion of people aged 25 and over using ADHD medications increased from 0.01% in 2010 to 0.20% in 2023, a staggering 20-fold increase for women and a 15-fold increase for men.
“We observed a consistent increase in ADHD medication use across Europe, but the most striking changes were among adults, especially women,” said Xintong Li, the lead author of the study. “These findings likely reflect growing awareness and diagnosis of adult ADHD, but they also raise important questions about long-term treatment patterns and care needs.”
The study also highlighted a significant gap between the estimated prevalence of ADHD and the actual use of medications. While ADHD is believed to affect around 8% of children and adolescents, and 3% of adults globally, the study findings suggest that a substantial proportion of those with the condition may not be receiving the necessary treatment.
“Understanding how ADHD medications are being used in real-world clinical practice is essential for healthcare planning,” said Professor Daniel Prieto-Alhambra, a senior author of the study. “These data can help health systems anticipate demand and reduce the risk of future medication shortages, while also highlighting populations that may need closer monitoring.”
The study’s results have raised concerns about the potential long-term implications of the increasing use of ADHD medications, particularly among adults. Healthcare policymakers and providers in the UK will need to carefully examine these trends and ensure that appropriate support and resources are in place to meet the growing demand for ADHD treatment.
