The use of medications for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has seen a significant rise across Europe over the past decade, particularly among adults, according to a comprehensive population-based study published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe. Researchers affiliated with the Data Analysis and Real World Interrogation Network (DARWIN EU) analyzed electronic health records spanning from 2010 to 2023 in five countries: Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The study encompassed over 198,000 individuals, revealing that ADHD medication use has tripled in the UK and more than doubled in the Netherlands.
The lead author of the study, Xintong Li 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.” The findings suggest that a growing awareness and diagnosis of adult ADHD is contributing to this trend, which raises critical questions about long-term treatment patterns and healthcare needs.
The most substantial increases were recorded among adults aged 25 and older. In the UK, the rate of ADHD medication use in this demographic surged more than twenty-fold for women and fifteen-fold for men. Despite males historically being more likely to receive ADHD medication, the gender gap has been narrowing over time.
Professor Daniel Prieto-Alhambra, the senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating, “Understanding how ADHD medications are being used in real-world clinical practice is essential for healthcare planning.” The data can assist health systems in anticipating demand and mitigating the risk of future medication shortages, while also identifying populations that may require closer monitoring.
Methylphenidate emerged as the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication across all examined countries. Newer treatments, such as lisdexamfetamine and guanfacine, have also seen increasing uptake following their market approvals. However, the continuation of treatment after initiation was relatively low, with significant variations observed between countries.
According to the study, these trends reflect a growing recognition of ADHD as a lifelong condition. This highlights the urgent need for healthcare systems to adapt to the rising demand for ADHD medications, particularly in light of ongoing shortages in various parts of Europe.
The findings from the study underscore the changing landscape of ADHD treatment and the necessity for enhanced healthcare strategies to meet the evolving needs of patients. As awareness increases, the healthcare sector must ensure that it is equipped to address the growing number of individuals seeking ADHD treatment.
