ADHD Medication Use Rises Across Europe, Still Below Prevalence

Medication use for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has risen steadily across Europe since 2010, according to a study published in the medical journal *The Lancet*. The research, which examined trends in Germany, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, highlights varying patterns of growth while noting that treatment levels remain well below estimated ADHD prevalence rates.

In Spain, the proportion of the population receiving ADHD drugs nearly doubled to 0.42%—affecting more than 204,000 people—one of the lowest rates among the five countries studied. This increase was most pronounced in the first half of the past decade, followed by stabilisation and a slight decline in children aged 3 to 11 since 2015.

The United Kingdom saw usage triple, though it stayed under 0.4% of the population. In the Netherlands, consumption more than doubled, while Belgium recorded a more moderate rise and Germany experienced irregular growth with a surge from 2017. Common medications included methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine, and guanfacine.

A key shift observed was towards older age groups. In countries like the UK, the Netherlands, and Spain, medication use among 18- to 24-year-olds now exceeds that in younger children. Growth has been particularly strong among adults, with notable increases in women despite starting from low baselines. While boys still dominate new treatments among children, adult prescriptions show rising numbers for women.

The study underscores that ADHD prevalence is estimated at 2.5% to 8% in children and 1% to 3% in adults, per clinical guidelines, leaving a substantial treatment gap. Authors conclude that while pharmacological treatment has clearly expanded, better evaluation is needed to ensure appropriate, sustained use alongside complementary measures.