The use of medications for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has seen a remarkable increase across Europe in recent years, with significant growth noted particularly among adults. A comprehensive study published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe reveals that the prevalence of ADHD medication has more than tripled in the United Kingdom and more than doubled in the Netherlands from 2010 to 2023.
Researchers from the DARWIN EU Coordination Center conducted an analysis of electronic health records from five European countries: Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK. This extensive study covered over 198,000 individuals, revealing a consistent increase in ADHD medication use across all countries involved.
Significant Growth Among Adults, Especially Women
The most notable increases were observed among adults aged 25 and over, with women experiencing a twenty-fold rise in ADHD medication use in the UK, while men saw a fifteen-fold increase. While males consistently have higher rates of ADHD medication use, the gap between the sexes has been narrowing, indicating a growing recognition of ADHD in adult women.
Xintong Li, the lead author of the study from the University of Oxford, noted, “We observed a consistent increase in ADHD medication use across Europe, but the most striking changes were among adults, especially women.” This trend may reflect heightened awareness and diagnosis of adult ADHD, prompting important discussions about long-term treatment patterns and care requirements.
Implications for Health Care Systems
The findings underscore the importance of understanding how ADHD medications are utilized in real-world clinical settings. Professor Daniel Prieto-Alhambra, the senior author of the study, emphasized the necessity for healthcare planning. “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.”
Within the scope of the study, methylphenidate emerged as the most widely prescribed ADHD medication across the examined countries. Newer treatments, including lisdexamfetamine and guanfacine, have also shown steady uptake since their market approval. Despite this growth, the continuation of treatment after initiation remains relatively low and varies significantly between countries.
The results reflect an increased acknowledgment of ADHD as a lifelong condition, raising the need for healthcare systems to adapt to the rising demand for treatment. This is particularly crucial in light of ongoing ADHD medication shortages in various parts of Europe.
As the study highlights, the upward trend in ADHD medication use not only points to an evolving understanding of the condition but also calls for strategic planning in healthcare to effectively support the needs of individuals diagnosed with ADHD.
