The use of medication to treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has increased sharply across Europe, according to a large study led by University of Oxford. Researchers analysed health record data from five European countries and tracked prescribing trends between 2010 and 2023. The results showed consistent growth in every country included in the analysis.

The study examined records from more than 198,000 individuals in Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. Across these countries, overall ADHD medication use increased steadily over the 13-year period.

👩‍⚕️ Adults Drive the Increase

Adults accounted for most of the growth in ADHD medication use. In every country studied, prescribing rates rose fastest among people aged 25 and over. The increase proved especially strong among women.

In the UK, ADHD medication use among adults rose dramatically:

• More than 20-fold among women
• Around 15-fold among men

Although men still received ADHD medication more often overall, the gap between sexes narrowed over time. Therefore, the findings suggest changing patterns in diagnosis and treatment.

💊 Medication Types and Prescribing Patterns

Across all five countries, methylphenidate remained the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication. However, newer treatments gained wider use during the study period.

These included:

• Lisdexamfetamine
• Guanfacine

At the same time, researchers observed large differences in how long patients continued treatment after starting medication. As a result, prescribing practices varied notably between countries.

🧠 Greater Recognition of Adult ADHD

The researchers said the findings reflect growing recognition of ADHD as a condition that can persist into adulthood. Historically, clinicians diagnosed ADHD mainly in children. However, awareness of adult ADHD has increased over the past decade.

In addition, women have received diagnoses more frequently than in the past. This shift may explain the faster growth in medication use among adult females.

🩺 Implications for Healthcare Systems

Senior author Professor Daniel Prieto-Alhambra said the findings have important implications for healthcare planning. He noted that health systems must prepare for continued growth in ADHD medication demand.

The data can help policymakers:

• Anticipate future prescribing needs
• Reduce the risk of medication shortages
• Improve long-term treatment planning

Therefore, understanding real-world medication use remains critical for effective healthcare delivery.

🌍 ADHD Increasingly Seen as a Lifelong Condition

The study highlights a broader shift in how clinicians view ADHD. Rather than treating it only as a childhood condition, healthcare providers now recognise ADHD as a lifelong disorder for many patients.

The researchers concluded that this change represents progress in diagnosis and care. At the same time, it places new demands on healthcare systems across Europe.

The study was published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.