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England ADHD Prescriptions

Below shows how few prescriptions there are relative to the known population of people with ADHD. This substantially undermines any argument that there is over-prescription in England (and by likely extrapolation the UK) and, we would argue, is a strong indicator of under Assessment in England/UK.

We would further argue that the gradually increasing numbers are a positive indicator of individuals getting Assessments, of which a percentage chose medication. The positive aspect of individuals getting an assessment, learning of their condition, and now receiving the help they find beneficial (whether that choice is medication or not) should be seen as an indicator of improvement both systemically and individually. ADHD is a lifelong condition. Medication is an option for treatment and isn’t the choice of, and doesn’t suit, everyone.

have ADHD in the UK

have ADHD in England

individuals in England receive an ADHD prescription

%

individuals in England who have ADHD receiving a prescription

ADHD Medication (Annual)

2015/2016
2016/2017
2017/2018
2018/2019
2019/2020
2020/2021
2021/2022
2022/2023
2023/2024
Total Identified Patients
107,155
115,945
124,789
136,211
154,858
162,838
192,105
233,474
277,640
Change Per Year
8,790
8,844
11,422
18,647
7,980
29,267
41,369
44,166

Patients in receipt of ADHD medication per Quarter

Graph Patients Per Quarter
2015/2016 Q1
2015/2016 Q2
2015/2016 Q3
2015/2016 Q4
2016/2017 Q1
2016/2017 Q2
2016/2017 Q3
2016/2017 Q4
2017/2018 Q1
2017/2018 Q2
2017/2018 Q3
2017/2018 Q4
2018/2019 Q1
2018/2019 Q2
2018/2019 Q3
2018/2019 Q4
2019/2020 Q1
2019/2020 Q2
2019/2020 Q3
2019/2020 Q4
2020/2021 Q1
2020/2021 Q2
2020/2021 Q3
2020/2021 Q4
2021/2022 Q1
2021/2022 Q2
2021/2022 Q3
2021/2022 Q4
2022/2023 Q1
2022/2023 Q2
2022/2023 Q3
2022/2023 Q4
2023/2024 Q1
2023/2024 Q2
2023/2024 Q3
2023/2024 Q4
Total Identified Patients
79,752
79,697
83,590
85,538
87,872
86,840
89,912
92,532
94,233
92,845
96,308
99,103
101,950
101,136
105,431
108,916
113,661
115,084
120,809
125,760
117,693
121,100
129,889
131,728
138,889
141,107
149,301
157,758
166,341
169,881
180,059
190,770
201,421
206,610
209,031
221,239
Change Per Quarter
-55
3,893
1,948
2,334
-1,032
3,072
2,620
1,701
-1,388
3,463
2,795
2,847
-814
4,295
3,485
4,745
1,423
5,725
4,951
-8,067
3,407
8,789
1,839
7,161
2,218
8,194
8,457
8,583
3,540
10,178
10,711
10,651
5,189
2,421
12,208

Prescriptions Data Source: NHS Business Services Authority: Quarterly Releases and Annual Releases
Incidence Information: See ADHD UK’s ADHD Incidence Page

Last updated: July 2024