UK ADHD medication use triples as adult diagnoses rise nationwide

Published: 22 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

UK ADHD medication use has increased dramatically over the past thirteen years, according to a major international study led by researchers at the University of Oxford. The analysis, based on large-scale electronic health records, shows prescribing rates more than tripled nationwide between 2010 and 2023. Experts say the trend reflects rising awareness, improved diagnosis, and shifting attitudes toward attention deficit hyperactivity disorder across all age groups.

The research examined anonymised health data from five European countries, including Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. Among them, the UK recorded the steepest relative increase in prescriptions for ADHD-related medicines. National prevalence rose from 0.12 per cent in 2010 to 0.39 per cent in 2023, a change that places Britain well ahead of comparable European healthcare systems.

Scientists involved in the study argue that the rise marks a significant transformation in how ADHD is understood and treated. Once viewed primarily as a childhood condition, ADHD is now widely recognised as a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. This evolving understanding has encouraged adults, particularly those who were never assessed in childhood, to seek diagnosis and clinical support later in life.

The most striking shift was observed among adults aged 25 and over. In the UK, prescribing prevalence within this group increased from 0.01 per cent to 0.20 per cent over the study period. Women accounted for the sharpest rise, with prescribing rates increasing more than twenty-fold, compared with a fifteen-fold increase among men. Although men still receive more ADHD prescriptions overall, the gender gap narrowed considerably with age.

Researchers suggest these changes reflect long-standing diagnostic biases finally being addressed. Many women report symptoms such as inattentiveness, emotional dysregulation, and internalised anxiety, which historically received less clinical attention. Improved training among healthcare professionals and broader public discussion have contributed to greater recognition of these patterns.

The study tracked prescriptions for commonly used medications, including methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine and guanfacine. Methylphenidate remained the most frequently prescribed drug across all five countries. Newer medications showed steady growth following market approval, indicating a gradual diversification of treatment options available to patients.

Despite rising prescription initiation, the research highlighted relatively low continuation rates after treatment begins. Many patients discontinued medication within the first year, with significant variation between countries. Experts believe this reflects differences in follow-up care, side-effect management, and access to specialist services rather than clinical effectiveness alone.

Importantly, the authors noted that UK ADHD medication use remains far lower than the estimated prevalence of the condition. ADHD is thought to affect approximately eight per cent of children and adolescents and around three per cent of adults globally. While not everyone with ADHD requires medication, researchers believe the gap suggests substantial unmet need, particularly among adults.

Lead author Xintong Li said the findings reveal both progress and pressure points within modern healthcare systems. She explained that growing awareness has allowed many previously unsupported individuals to access care. However, rising demand has also exposed weaknesses in service capacity, continuity of treatment, and long-term planning.

In the UK, these challenges are already evident within the NHS. Waiting lists for ADHD assessments have grown significantly, with patients in some regions facing delays of several years. As demand has surged, increasing numbers have turned to private providers, often paying for assessments to avoid prolonged waits.

Recent analysis reported that the NHS overspends by approximately £164 million annually on ADHD services. A growing proportion of this expenditure is directed toward private assessments, some of which operate outside established regulatory frameworks. Health experts have raised concerns about inconsistent diagnostic standards and fragmented care pathways resulting from this trend.

Clinicians warn that patients diagnosed privately may struggle to access consistent follow-up through the NHS. Transferring care between providers can be complex, particularly when prescribing responsibilities shift. Without robust coordination, patients risk interruptions in treatment and monitoring, undermining clinical outcomes.

Medication supply issues have further intensified concern. Several European countries, including the UK, have experienced intermittent shortages of key ADHD medicines. Researchers caution that sustained growth in demand, without strategic planning, could worsen these disruptions and affect patient stability.

Professor Daniel Prieto-Alhambra, a senior author of the study, stressed the importance of understanding real-world prescribing patterns. He said detailed data on UK ADHD medication use can help policymakers anticipate future demand, manage supply chains, and identify groups requiring closer clinical monitoring. He also emphasised the need for evidence-based regulation as services expand.

Beyond healthcare logistics, the study reflects broader cultural shifts. Public conversations around neurodiversity have increased, reducing stigma and encouraging openness. Greater awareness within workplaces and educational institutions has also played a role, making diagnosis and treatment more socially accepted.

However, experts caution against viewing medication as a standalone solution. Effective ADHD management often combines pharmacological treatment with psychological therapies, behavioural strategies, and social support. Ensuring access to comprehensive care remains a key challenge as prescription rates continue to rise.

As demand grows, policymakers face difficult decisions around funding, regulation, and service design. The study highlights the need for coordinated national strategies that balance accessibility with safety. Without sustained investment, gaps between diagnosis and long-term support may widen further.

Looking ahead, researchers believe continued monitoring of prescribing trends is essential. Understanding how, why, and for whom treatments are used will shape future healthcare planning. With UK ADHD medication use continuing to rise, the coming years will test the system’s ability to respond effectively and equitably.

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