A record number of people in England are taking medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), with a particular surge among preschoolers. NHS data shows that almost 278,000 patients were prescribed central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and ADHD drugs between April 2023 and March 2024, an 18% increase from the previous year and the highest since records began in 2016.
The rise is especially notable among young women aged 25-40, where prescriptions have tripled since March 2021. However, the data also reveals a 40% increase in ADHD drug prescriptions for children under five, raising concerns about overmedication in very young children.
Experts attribute the overall increase to greater awareness of ADHD symptoms, partly driven by social media platforms like TikTok, where #ADHD has billions of views. Dr Heidi Phillips, clinical adviser on neurodiversity for the Royal College of GPs, said the rise reflects “increased awareness” and more health professionals issuing prescriptions, as well as a rise in mental health difficulties since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite the increase, men still account for two-thirds of patients, and the number of prescriptions remains below the estimated prevalence of ADHD, which is around 5% in children. The most commonly prescribed drugs are methylphenidate hydrochloride (63%) and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (19%), with a 57% rise in dexamfetamine sulfate prescriptions in the last year.
The data excludes private prescriptions and medication used in secondary care or prisons, meaning the true number of people being treated is likely higher. Last year, doctors were advised not to prescribe ADHD drugs to new patients due to a national shortage caused by manufacturing issues and increased global demand.
