UK ADHD medication use tripled from 2010 to 2023, driven by rising adult diagnoses, especially in women, straining NHS resources.

ADHD medication use in the UK more than tripled between 2010 and 2023, with adult prescriptions increasing more than 20-fold, particularly among women over 25, according to a University of Oxford study analyzing data from five European countries. The rise, which is attributed to increased awareness and diagnosis of adult ADHD, particularly in women, reflects broader healthcare trends, though treatment rates remain far below estimated ADHD prevalence. Methylphenidate was the most commonly prescribed medication, and rising demand has strained NHS resources, resulting in overspending and medication shortages.