A new study has revealed that ADHD prescriptions have risen 18 per cent year-on-year since the pandemic
News
This is a photo of a stressed young woman talking to a psychologist.
ADHD prescriptions are on the rise in England, new research shows
New research has revealed a surge in prescriptions of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications since the Covid pandemic, with an average rise of 18 per cent year-on-year.
ADHD is characterised by symptoms that affect a person's focus and organisation. It can affect both children and adults, but it often manifests in ways that are harder to identify as we get older.
The new study found that ADHD prescriptions in England rose from 25.17 per 1,000 people in 2019/20 to 41.55 per 1,000 people in 2023/24, with methylphenidate the most commonly prescribed medication.
The researchers suggest the rise could be due to increasing awareness on social media encouraging people to seek help. However, the authors warn that “Misinformation on these platforms may lead to misconceptions about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment."
Social media could be fuelling the rise in ADHD prescriptions, researchers claim
Social media could be fuelling the rise in ADHD prescriptions, researchers claim
The symptoms of ADHD tend to be more subtle in adults than in children, especially since many adults have developed coping mechanisms over the course of their lives. These subtle signs could include frequent forgetfulness to feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks, but one often overlooked symptom could also indicate ADHD in adults.
According to Dr Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, low frustration tolerance could be a sign of ADHD in adults.
“Some people’s frustration can turn to anger, and them displaying behaviours that may be considered disruptive,” recognises Thompson. “It often means that people with ADHD are considered to be ‘difficult’ when often the reason behind the behaviours that are disruptive are frustration and anger at not being able to do the things they want to be doing.”
Frustration and anger could be a sign of ADHD in adults, experts say
Frustration and anger could be a sign of ADHD in adults, experts say
Other ADHD symptoms in adults
According to the NHS, other symptoms associated with ADHD in adults include:
Carelessness and lack of attention to detail
Frequently starting new tasks before finishing old ones
Poor organisational skills
Inability to focus or prioritise
Frequently losing or misplacing things
Forgetfulness
Restlessness
Difficulty keeping quiet and often interrupting others
This is a photo of a young woman sat at a desk struggling to concentrate on her work.
Difficulty concentrating is a common sign of ADHD in adults
ADHD can also be mistaken for common mental health problems. People with ADHD may also be more susceptible to anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. “People with ADHD can often suffer with low self-esteem, depression and anxiety,” says Thompson. “People who get frustrated by their difficulties may stop trying at work or at school, or lose interest in their hobbies because they can’t sustain the attention to take part.”
When should you seek professional help for ADHD?
The NHS advises seeing your GP if you think you may have ADHD. They may refer you for a specialist assessment.
“Diagnoses of ADHD are typically given by specialist ADHD assessment teams,” highlights Thompson. “If anybody is concerned, they could also speak with their GP who should be able to signpost them to the relevant service in their area.”
“It could help explain to the person (and their family) why their brain works in the way it does,” Thompson added. “It can also be helpful in the sense that it can open the door for treatment whether this be pharmacological or psychological.”
The study was published in the journal BMJ Mental Health.