ADHD Medication Prescriptions in England Nearly Double Since 2020

New research links the rise to pandemic-related stress, increased awareness, and social media influence.

A study published in BMJ Mental Health found ADHD medication prescriptions in England rose from 25.17 per 1,000 people in 2019/20 to 41.55 per 1,000 people in 2023/24, an annual increase of 18%.
Researchers attribute the rise to pandemic-related disruptions, including altered routines and increased stress, which may have exacerbated symptoms and encouraged diagnosis and treatment.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have played a significant role in spreading awareness about ADHD, though experts caution about the potential spread of misinformation.
The most prescribed medication remains methylphenidate, while lisdexamfetamine saw the highest growth rate at 55% annually, with prescriptions increasing significantly in London and the South-East.
Experts note disparities in ADHD diagnosis and treatment across socioeconomic and ethnic groups, with calls for more equitable access and further research into long-term trends and overdiagnosis concerns.