The use of medications for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has seen a significant increase across Europe over the last decade, particularly among adults, according to a comprehensive study published in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe. Researchers analyzed electronic health records of over 198,000 individuals from five countries—Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom—within the framework of the Data Analysis and Real World Interrogation Network (DARWIN EU).
The findings indicate that ADHD medication use has more than tripled in the UK and more than doubled in the Netherlands between 2010 and 2023. “We observed a consistent increase in ADHD medication use across Europe, but the most striking changes were among adults, especially women,” said Xintong Li, lead author of the study from the University of Oxford.
In the adult age group, particularly those aged 25 and over, the rise in medication use was most pronounced. In the UK, ADHD medication use in this demographic surged more than twenty-fold among women and fifteen-fold among men. While men remained the predominant recipients of ADHD medication, the gap between the sexes has narrowed over time.
The study highlights a growing awareness and diagnosis of adult ADHD. “These findings raise important questions about long-term treatment patterns and care needs,” Li added. The results underscore the necessity for healthcare systems to adapt to this rising demand and ensure adequate support for patients.
Implications for Healthcare Systems
Professor Daniel Prieto-Alhambra, senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of understanding how ADHD medications are utilized in real-world clinical settings. “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,” he stated.
The research revealed that methylphenidate remains the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication across all five countries. Newer treatments, including lisdexamfetamine and guanfacine, have also shown steady adoption following their market approval. However, the continuation of treatment after initial prescription varied significantly between countries, indicating potential gaps in long-term care.
The findings reflect a broader recognition of ADHD as a lifelong condition, necessitating proactive healthcare strategies to meet increasing needs. This is particularly relevant given ongoing ADHD medication shortages that have been reported in various parts of Europe.
As the landscape of ADHD treatment evolves, it becomes crucial for healthcare providers to remain informed about these trends. By doing so, they can better plan for the future and ensure that individuals with ADHD receive the support and treatment they require.
The study, titled “Trends in use of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder medications among children and adults in five European countries, 2010 to 2023: a population-based observational study,” is available in The Lancet Regional Health—Europe and contributes valuable insights to the discourse on ADHD treatment across Europe.
