A significant new study has uncovered a dramatic surge in the number of adults across the United Kingdom being prescribed medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Research led by academics at the University of Oxford indicates that the use of ADHD drugs has more than tripled nationally between 2010 and 2023, marking a profound shift in treatment patterns.
European Study Reveals Striking Trends
The comprehensive analysis examined electronic health records from over 198,000 individuals across five European nations: Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK. The research spanned a fourteen-year period, revealing consistent increases in ADHD medication use across all countries studied. While prevalence more than doubled in the Netherlands, the UK experienced an even more pronounced rise, with overall use more than tripling.
Adult Women Experience Most Dramatic Increase
The most substantial changes were observed among adults, particularly women. In the UK, the overall prevalence of ADHD medication use in adults aged 25 and older rose more than twenty-fold for women and fifteen-fold for men. Professor Xintong Li, the study's lead author and a data scientist, noted: 'We observed a consistent increase in ADHD medication use across Europe, but the most striking changes were among adults, especially women.'
Professor Li suggested these findings likely reflect growing awareness and improved diagnosis of adult ADHD. However, she cautioned that they also raise critical questions about long-term treatment strategies and the evolving care needs of this patient population.
Medication Patterns and Healthcare Implications
Methylphenidate, marketed under brand names including Ritalin, Concerta, and Delmosart, remained the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication across all countries studied. Newer stimulants like lisdexamfetamine showed steady uptake following their approval for market use.
Professor Daniel Prieto-Alhambra, epidemiologist and senior author of the study published in The Lancet Regional Health journal, emphasised the importance of this data for healthcare planning. 'Understanding how ADHD medications are being used in real-world clinical practice is essential for healthcare planning,' he stated. '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.'
Treatment Continuation and Comorbidities
The researchers noted that while adult use reflects growing recognition of ADHD as a lifelong condition, continuation of treatment after initiation remained relatively low. They also identified significant comorbidities among those prescribed ADHD medication. A substantial proportion of users were also taking antidepressants and psycholeptics—drugs that have a calming effect on the central nervous system.
In the UK and Spain, more than 70 per cent of adults aged 25 and over who were prescribed ADHD medication had also received a prescription for antidepressants. Other common conditions prior to ADHD medication initiation included anxiety and asthma. The prevalence of depression and anxiety in females was approximately twice that observed in males.
Addressing Treatment Gaps and System Pressures
The researchers warned that despite the substantial increase, the prevalence of medication use remains significantly lower than the estimated prevalence of ADHD. Globally, ADHD is estimated to affect around 8 per cent of children and adolescents and 3 per cent of adults. 'While it is true that not all individuals with ADHD require medication, our findings suggest that a substantial proportion may not be receiving pharmacological treatment,' the study authors concluded.
They highlighted that ongoing monitoring of usage patterns is crucial to anticipate demand and help mitigate future shortages. Such shortages have been ongoing since September 2023 due to increasing demand and manufacturing challenges.
Government Review and NHS Context
This research follows Health Secretary Wes Streeting's announcement last December of an independent review into the rising demand for mental health, ADHD, and autism services. The review is expected to examine diagnosis rates and identify existing gaps in support.
NHS figures indicate that rates of mental health problems and ADHD have increased significantly over the past two decades. The government has acknowledged evidence suggesting possible over-diagnosis, with some individuals being referred to waiting lists who may not require treatment.
Announcing the review, Streeting stated: 'We must look at this through a strictly clinical lens to get an evidence-based understanding... that's the only way we can ensure everyone gets timely access to accurate diagnosis and effective support.'
Understanding ADHD and Its Impact
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition where connections between different brain regions function differently than in neurotypical individuals. This leads to characteristic issues with inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. These can manifest as sleep problems, an inability to focus, and difficulties with executive functioning—skills crucial for planning and following instructions.
According to NHS Digital estimates, around 2.5 million people in England have ADHD as of November 2025. This figure includes those without a formal diagnosis and is based on data from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which suggests approximately 4 per cent of adults and 5 per cent of children and young people are affected.
The study authors also cited increasing online interest in ADHD via social media platforms, alongside the impact of the pandemic, which contributed to a near-doubling in the number of prescriptions for ADHD medications. These factors collectively paint a picture of a rapidly evolving treatment landscape with significant implications for patients, clinicians, and healthcare systems across the UK and Europe.
