UK Sees Most Dramatic Rise in ADHD Medication Use Across Europe
A comprehensive new study tracking attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication across five European nations has revealed a dramatic surge in prescriptions within the United Kingdom over a 13-year period. The research, led by the University of Oxford, indicates that the proportion of the UK population using these medications has more than tripled, with an extraordinary 20-fold increase observed specifically among women aged 25 and older.
Comparative Analysis Across Five Nations
Researchers meticulously examined electronic health records from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK to estimate ADHD medication usage among adults and children aged three and above between 2010 and 2023. While prevalence increased across all five countries, the UK demonstrated the highest relative increase for all age groups.
The UK's rate rose more than threefold from 0.12% to 0.39%. In contrast, the Netherlands, which started from a higher baseline, saw its prevalence more than double from 0.67% to 1.56%. The study specifically tracked medications including methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine, and guanfacine, with its findings published in the prestigious Lancet Regional Health – Europe journal.
Striking Increases Among Adult Populations
Adult use increased substantially in all countries studied, with particularly sharp rises among women. In the UK, the prevalence among people aged 25 and over skyrocketed from a mere 0.01% in 2010 to 0.20% in 2023. This represents a more than 20-fold increase for women and a 15-fold increase for men within this age bracket.
Although ADHD medication use remained higher among males overall, the researchers noted that the sex gap in treatment has narrowed over time and with increasing age. Xintong Li, the lead study author at Oxford, stated: "We observed a consistent increase in ADHD medication use across Europe, but the most striking changes were among adults, especially women. 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."
Treatment Gaps and Medication Patterns
The study's results suggest a much lower rate of ADHD medication use compared with the estimated global prevalence of ADHD itself, which is thought to affect approximately 8% of children and adolescents and 3% of adults. While not every individual with ADHD requires pharmacological treatment, the researchers indicated that the findings suggest a substantial proportion of those with the condition may not be receiving medication.
Methylphenidate was identified as the most commonly used medication across all countries. Newer treatments such as lisdexamfetamine and guanfacine showed steady uptake following market approval. However, the study also revealed that continuation of treatment after initiation was relatively low, with substantial variation between different nations.
Healthcare System Implications and Pressures
The findings reflect a growing recognition of ADHD as a lifelong condition and highlight the urgent need for healthcare systems to plan for rising demand. This is particularly pertinent amid ongoing ADHD medication shortages in various parts of Europe. In the UK, the National Health Service is facing significant financial pressures related to ADHD services.
Recent analysis indicates the NHS is overspending by £164 million annually on ADHD services, with an increasing proportion of funds directed toward unregulated private assessments. Total spending on NHS ADHD services is projected to more than double existing budgets, while expenditure on private ADHD services has more than tripled over just three years.
Professor Daniel Prieto-Alhambra, a senior author of the study, emphasised the practical implications: "Understanding how ADHD medications are being used in real-world clinical practice is essential for healthcare planning. 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 research underscores a significant transformation in the diagnosis and treatment landscape for ADHD in the UK, pointing to both increased clinical recognition and substantial challenges for healthcare provision and resource allocation in the coming years.
