The proportion of people in the UK taking medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has more than tripled over the past decade, with a dramatic rise among adult women, according to a major international study led by the University of Oxford.
Researchers analysing electronic health records from five European countries found that the UK recorded the fastest growth in ADHD drug use between 2010 and 2023. Across all ages, the share of people prescribed ADHD medication rose from 0.12% to 0.39%, a more than threefold increase, outpacing Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.
Adult Women Drive the Increase
The most striking change was seen among adults, particularly women aged 25 and over. In the UK, the proportion of adults in this age group receiving ADHD medication climbed from just 0.01% in 2010 to 0.20% in 2023. This represents more than a 20-fold increase among women and a 15-fold rise among men. While men still account for a higher overall share of prescriptions, the gender gap has narrowed significantly with age.
Findings from a Europe-Wide Study
The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, tracked the use of commonly prescribed ADHD treatments including methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine and guanfacine. Methylphenidate remained the most widely used drug in all countries, while newer medications showed steady uptake following regulatory approval.
Growing Awareness of Adult ADHD
Lead author Xintong Li from the University of Oxford said the data reflect a growing recognition that ADHD often continues into adulthood and is frequently underdiagnosed, particularly in women. Increased awareness among clinicians and the public, alongside long waiting lists for NHS assessments, has led more adults to seek diagnosis and treatment, often later in life.
Medication Use Still Below Estimated Prevalence
Despite the sharp rise, researchers noted that the proportion of people receiving medication remains far lower than the estimated prevalence of ADHD. Around 8% of children and adolescents and about 3% of adults worldwide are thought to have the condition, suggesting many in the UK may still be undiagnosed or untreated, or receiving non-drug interventions.
Pressure on NHS Services and Budgets
The findings come amid mounting strain on NHS mental health and neurodevelopmental services. Recent figures show the NHS in England is overspending its ADHD budget by around £164 million a year, with spending on private assessments and treatment more than tripling over the past three years as patients turn to non-NHS providers due to long waiting times.
Concerns Over Supply and Long-Term Care
Researchers also highlighted uneven continuation of treatment after diagnosis and the risk of medication shortages, which have already affected parts of Europe and the UK. They warned that health services must plan for sustained growth in demand, particularly among adults, and ensure safe long-term monitoring.
Planning for Future Demand
Professor Daniel Prieto-Alhambra, a senior author of the study, said understanding real-world prescribing trends is vital for workforce planning, drug supply and clinical follow-up. With adult ADHD now more widely recognised, the NHS faces increasing pressure to expand diagnostic capacity, specialist care and access to medication.