UK ADHD medication use triples since 2010, driven by adult women
A European study using health records from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK finds ADHD medication use rose across all ages from 2010 to 2023, with the UK showing the largest relative increase (0.12% to 0.39%). Among UK adults 25+, prevalence rose from 0.01% to 0.20%, with more than a 20‑fold rise in women and about 15‑fold in men. Methylphenidate remained the most prescribed drug; newer medications gained traction, but continuation after initiation varied by country. Researchers say rising recognition of adult ADHD helps explain the trend, but treatment lags the estimated ADHD prevalence, signaling planning needs amid shortages. An amendment clarifies that NHS England, not the UK overall, is overspending on ADHD services.
