England: Number Of People Taking ADHD Medication Soars, Says NHS Data
The latest NHS (National Health Service) Business Services Authority data shows that a record number of people in England are taking medication used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) underscoring the surge in the number of diagnosis.
The data showed that almost 278,000 patients in England were prescribed central nervous system stimulants (CNS) and ADHD drugs between April 2023 and March 2024. The issue is largely spotted in women aged between 25 and 40.
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It shows that almost five people in every 1,000 are suffering. The figure sees an increase of 18% from the four in every 1,000 recorded last year, and the highest number since records began in 2016. In the same period, almost three million CNS stimulants and drug prescription were also dispensed in England.
According to experts, the change was because more people were being diagnosed with ADHD, in particular young women, owing to greater awareness of symptoms. Discussion about ADHD is widespread on social media globally, with #ADHD attracting tens of billions of hits on TikTok, said The Guardian.
As per NHS England, after Covid-19, ADHD is the most viewed health issue on the NHS website in 2023. NHS describe ADHD as a condition that can make it hard to concentrate and may mean people act on impulse.
The most commonly prescribed substances are methylphenidate hydrochloride (63%) and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (19%). There has been a 57 percent rise in the prescriptions involving dexamfetamine sulfate in the last year.
The data also showed that some of the drugs may have been prescribed for conditions other than ADHD also.
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The NHS data excludes private prescriptions and medication used in secondary care, such as referral to a specialist, or prisons. The number of people suffering from CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD is likely to be higher, as 11% of the items cannot be assigned to a verified NHS number.
In women, especially the ones between the age of 25-40, those taking CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD tripled between March 2021 and March 2024.
Last year, the doctors in England were told not to prescribe ADHD drugs to new patients because of a national shortage, and authorities said that the supply problems were devastating for people living with the condition.
