United States: The latest expert analysis shows the medication prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have substantially increased across England.
A BMJ Mental Health study found that ADHD medication prescriptions have grown by 18% during pandemic years across England while showing higher rates than initial reports and exposing big differences in prescribing practices between regions.
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At present, the UK grants authorization to prescribe five drugs for ADHD management, including stimulant categories methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, and lisdexamfetamine, alongside non-stimulants atomoxetine and guanfacine.
The researchers state that these drugs play an essential role in ADHD management since behavioral and psychological treatment alternatives may not be available, learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk reported.
Researchers documented higher ADHD medication prescriptions in England after Covid-19, but most studies examined the previous NHS organization using drug type-specific or targeted groups.
ADHD medication prescriptions have increased by 18% annually since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a new study.
— Insights care (@Insightscare) March 13, 2025
Research from the University of Huddersfield and Aston University reveals a significant rise in prescriptions across England.
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The analysis covered English Prescribing Dataset information from April 2019 through March 2024 with a focus on ADHD medication use among the national and regional and integrated care board (ICB) populations.
Prescriptions of methylphenidate remained the highest at 19 items/1000 people, yet lisdexamfetamine demonstrated the biggest growth rate with a 55% increase, leading to a total of 8.68 items per 1000 people during 2023-24.
Regional Gaps in ADHD Treatment
All seven regions of England experienced increased ADHD prescriptions throughout 2020 to 2023, but London documented the largest 28% prescription elevation, and Northeast Yorkshire reported the minimum 13% growth.
Statistical evaluations revealed important connections between ADHD drug prescriptions and demographic indicators, including the strong links between ethnic background and poverty levels alongside specific age groups and social inequality, learningdisabilitytoday.co.uk reported.
#ADHD prescriptions in #England have risen by 18% each year since pandemic https://t.co/MzoTXWZv92 The number of prescriptions being issued in England for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication has risen by 18% year on year since the pandemic, with the biggest…
— Dr. Aliya Shah (@aliya_Hshah) March 12, 2025
Several reasons explain why prescription rates experienced substantial growth, according to research findings.
The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in widespread educational disturbances and elevated psychological distress, which contributed to greater prescription rates.
“While our study has identified significant changes in prescription patterns during and after the pandemic, it is crucial to determine whether these trends represent a temporary shift or a more permanent change in ADHD prescriptions,” the researchers added.
“The significant rise in ADHD prescriptions across England highlights the urgent need for policies that address both regional and socioeconomic disparities in ADHD care access. Targeted efforts should be made to meet the needs of each region by identifying specific barriers to care and their root causes,” they continued.