ADHD Prescriptions in England Surge by 18% Annually Since 2019

Research links the rise to pandemic-related stress and increased awareness driven by social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

A study published in BMJ Mental Health found ADHD prescriptions in England rose from 25 to 41 items per 1,000 people between 2019 and 2023, marking an 18% annual increase.
Social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram, have played a significant role in raising awareness about ADHD, encouraging more people to seek diagnosis and treatment.
Experts caution that while increased awareness is positive, misinformation about ADHD symptoms and treatment on social media could lead to misdiagnoses or misconceptions.
The highest prescription growth was observed in London (28% annually), with affluent areas seeing greater increases compared to more deprived regions or ethnically diverse communities.
Researchers suggest the pandemic exacerbated ADHD symptoms through disrupted routines and heightened stress, contributing to the rise in diagnoses and prescriptions.