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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
2024/2025 Q1
2024/2025 Q2
2024/2025 Q3
Total Identified Patients
80,803
80,540
84,375
86,303
88,615
87,290
90,318
92,986
94,863
94,241
97,723
100,442
103,198
102,247
106,611
110,023
114,743
116,214
121,956
126,883
118,324
121,768
130,631
132,573
139,694
141,843
150,203
158,639
167,222
170,729
181,006
191,612
202,304
207,509
209,895
222,022
232,374
233,807
248,012
Change Per Quarter
-263
3,835
1,928
2,312
-1,325
3,028
2,668
1,877
-622
3,482
2,719
2,756
-951
4,364
3,412
4,720
1,471
5,742
4,927
-8,559
3,444
8,863
1,942
7,121
2,149
8,360
8,436
8,583
3,507
10,277
10,606
10,692
5,205
2,386
12,127
10,352
1,433
14,205
% Change
-0.3%
4.8%
2.3%
2.7%
-1.5%
3.5%
3.0%
2.0%
-0.7%
3.7%
2.8%
2.7%
-0.9%
4.3%
3.2%
4.3%
1.3%
4.9%
4.0%
-6.7%
2.9%
7.3%
1.5%
5.4%
1.5%
5.9%
5.6%
5.4%
2.1%
6.0%
5.9%
5.6%
2.6%
1.1%
5.8%
4.7%
0.6%
6.1%

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

Last updated: March 2025