The number of ADHD prescriptions in England has risen by 18% each year since 2020, reaching 41.55 per 1,000 people in 2023/24, according to new research. The sharpest rise was recorded in London, where prescription rates increased by 28% annually, while other regions also saw significant growth.
Experts suggest that increased public awareness—partly driven by social media—has encouraged more people to seek assessment and treatment. However, concerns remain about potential overdiagnosis and unequal access to ADHD care across different demographic groups.
Rising ADHD Prescriptions Highlight Growing Demand for Diagnosis
A study by academics from the University of Huddersfield and Aston University, published in BMJ Mental Health and reported by The Guardian, found that ADHD prescriptions in England grew from 25 per 1,000 people in 2019/20 to 41.55 per 1,000 in 2023/24.
This represents an average annual increase of 18%, with the most significant surge in London (28% per year) and the second-highest in the south-east (19.5%). The north-east and Yorkshire saw the slowest growth (13% per year), indicating regional disparities in prescription rates.
The research analysed national, regional, and NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) data for the five licensed ADHD medications in England. Methylphenidate—sold under brand names such as Ritalin, Concerta, and Delmosart—remained the most frequently prescribed (19 items per 1,000 people).
However, the fastest-growing prescription was for lisdexamfetamine, which increased by 55% annually, rising from 2.86 per 1,000 people in 2019/20 to 8.68 in 2023/24.
According to the researchers, one ADHD prescription typically provides 28 days of medication. This rapid increase in prescriptions suggests a higher number of diagnosed and treated cases, reflecting a shift in public awareness and healthcare practices since the pandemic.
Social Media Influence and Disparities in ADHD Treatment
The study suggests that social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok may be contributing to the surge in awareness and self-diagnosis of attention disorders. Online discussions and content related to symptoms, personal experiences, and management options have encouraged more individuals to seek medical evaluation.
However, experts caution that while social media can be beneficial, it also risks spreading misinformation and leading to misinterpretation of symptoms.
Dr Paul Keedwell, a consultant psychiatrist and neurodiversity specialist, warned of potential overdiagnosis. “Many other mental health conditions can cause ADHD-like symptoms,” he said.
“For example, my own clinical work has revealed many cases where inattention problems were caused by untreated depression rather than ADHD. Also, ADHD is often accompanied by other mental disorders like autistic spectrum disorder, complex trauma, anxiety, and depression.”
The research also identified ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in attention deficit treatments. Areas with larger white populations—such as the south-east and north-west—recorded higher prescription rates compared to more ethnically diverse regions like London and the Midlands.
The researchers emphasised the need for policy changes to address regional and socioeconomic disparities in ADHD care. They also called for further research into social media’s role in shaping ADHD awareness and improved moderation of online content to ensure accurate information reaches the public.
