ADHD UK emphasizes better identification and treatment in adults while acknowledging stigma and pushing to close the treatment gap.

Coverage also notes rising ADHD awareness, potential shortages, and policy responses connected to the trend.

A Lancet study across multiple European countries, including the UK, shows a significant rise in ADHD medication use from 2010 to 2023, with the UK having the strongest relative increase and adults over 25 seeing the growth—women rising more than 20-fold and men about 15-fold.

Researchers caution that ADHD remains under-treated worldwide, with current care levels far below the estimated 3% global prevalence, meaning many adults are not receiving needed support.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced an independent review into growing demand for mental health, ADHD, and autism services, focusing on diagnosis rates and access to support.

Advocate Lauren argues diagnosis can be protective by providing language and access to resources, calling for better awareness and resources to prevent family strain during long NHS assessment waits.

Lauren recounts how her children masked symptoms at school, leading to home-based emotional overload and meltdowns, underscoring how overwhelmed nervous systems can be mistaken for bad parenting.

Lauren shares her journey balancing work, family, and her own ADHD, noting a period off medication during fertility treatment and a later restart at 37 for clearer thinking and better emotional regulation at home.

ADHD UK’s Henry Shelford notes that early identification in girls has been poor, stressing the need to reduce stigma while expanding access to care.

Lead author Xintong Li emphasizes real-world medication data inform healthcare planning, help anticipate shortages, and identify populations needing closer monitoring, with Prof. Prieto-Alhambra agreeing it can guide resource allocation.

Lauren O’Carroll, a 41-year-old mum, describes diagnosing herself at 21 and recognizing ADHD patterns in her children, now aged nine and seven.

Among persistent users, a history of antidepressant use indicates that those with more complex mental health needs are more likely to continue treatment.