A significant increase in the prescription of medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among adult women has been documented in the United Kingdom. According to a recent study led by researchers from Oxford University, the number of adult women receiving ADHD medication has surged more than twenty-fold from 2010 to 2023.
The research, published in The Lancet Regional Health, analysed electronic health records from over 198,000 individuals across Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK over a span of 14 years. The findings revealed that ADHD medication usage more than tripled in the UK during this period, with notable increases seen across all participating countries, particularly among adult populations.
Professor Xintong Li, the lead author of the study, noted, “We observed a consistent increase in ADHD medication use across Europe, but the most striking changes were among adults, especially women.” He added that these changes likely reflect a growing recognition and diagnosis of adult ADHD, suggesting a need for further examination of treatment patterns and care requirements.
The most significant increase was observed in adults aged 25 and older. In the UK, the prevalence of ADHD medication prescriptions rose over twenty-fold for women and fifteen-fold for men within this demographic. This trend indicates a shift in the patient demographic, with women increasingly driving the rise in prescriptions.
In discussing the implications of the study, Professor Daniel Prieto-Alhambra, an epidemiologist and senior author, emphasized the importance of understanding the real-world application of ADHD medications. “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,” he stated.
The primary medication prescribed for ADHD remains methylphenidate, sold under various brand names such as Ritalin and Concerta. Recently approved stimulants, including lisdexamfetamine, have also seen increased adoption among prescribers.
The researchers noted that although the uptake of ADHD medications has risen significantly, the continuation of treatment after initial prescription remains relatively low. They observed a correlation between rising prescriptions and greater online interest in ADHD, particularly on social media platforms, alongside the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which nearly doubled the number of prescriptions issued.
Despite these findings, the study cautioned that the prevalence of medication use is still considerably lower than the estimated prevalence of ADHD. Globally, ADHD affects approximately 8 percent of children and adolescents and about 3 percent of adults. The researchers indicated that while not all individuals with ADHD require pharmacological treatment, a significant number may not be receiving the necessary support.
Moreover, the study highlighted that many adults using ADHD medications were also prescribed antidepressants and other psycholeptics. Over 70 percent of adults aged 25 and older in the UK and Spain had received antidepressant prescriptions, indicating a complex interplay between ADHD and other mental health issues.
The prevalence of depression and anxiety was found to be approximately twice as high in females compared to males, who exhibited a higher prevalence of autism. As the study concludes, continuous monitoring of ADHD medication usage patterns is essential for anticipating future demand and mitigating ongoing shortages, which have been exacerbated since September 2023 due to increased demand and manufacturing challenges.
In December 2025, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced an independent review aimed at addressing the rising demand for mental health services, including those for ADHD and autism. This review will explore diagnosis rates and identify gaps in existing support systems.
Streeting emphasized the necessity of a clinical perspective, stating, “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.”
As the understanding of ADHD continues to evolve, ongoing research and policy adjustments will be crucial in addressing this growing health issue, ensuring that both diagnosis and treatment pathways are adequately supported.
