Stressed mother having problem with noisy son

Major increase in UK ADHD diagnoses, researchers reveal

The number of people with ADHD diagnoses has seen a steep increase from the turn of the millennium, according to new research from University College London.

The research team took primary care data from around seven million people aged three to 99 between 2000 and 2018.

The study revealed that 35,877 people had an ADHD diagnosis and 18,518 had a prescription. The diagnoses jump was equivalent to a 20-fold increase while, for men aged 18-29, the prescription spike was the same as a 50-fold increase. Diagnoses were also around twice as prevalent in the country’s most deprived areas.

                                                                             Video credit: Canva

In boys aged 10-16, 1.4% had been diagnosed while 0.6% had a prescription in 2000 – this contrasts to 3.5% and 2.4% respectively in 2018.

The researchers emphasised how people are more likely to be prescribed medication for ADHD currently before adding that GPs should have more support when prescribing and monitoring said medications.

The researchers also highlighted the fact that the study findings will probably underrepresent the actual increase in ADHD incidence as the data only included prescriptions in primary care and not secondary care.

The pandemic will also have had an impact on these figures but, because the data ended in 2018, the evidence base did not capture it.

The study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Image credit: iStock

NHE September/October 2023

NHE September/October 2023

Empowering the next generation to lead the way in hard-to-treat cancers.

The September/October 2023 edition of NHE brings you expert comment and analysis on a range of key health sector topics, from digital transformation to navigating post-pandemic challenges.

Videos...

View all videos
National Health Executive Presents

National Health Executive Presents

NHE365 Virtual Events

NHE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of healthcare services. Over 365 days you'll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with the knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

National Health Executive Podcast

Ep. 36
How interoperability can support the NHS's core goals
with Ed Platt

In episode 36 of the National Health Executive podcast, we were joined by Omnicell’s UK professional services director, Ed Platt, to discuss interoperability in the NHS, practical examples of where it can be leveraged best, the importance of the health service's digital transformation journey and more.

More articles...

View all