Increase in ADHD Diagnoses and Treatments Among Adults
A new study from Canada has revealed a significant rise in adults seeking treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), especially since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The number of prescriptions for stimulants has more than doubled in this time, a trend that also appears in other countries like the U.S., Australia, the U.K., and Finland.
Mental health professionals have confirmed that they are seeing more patients with ADHD in their practices. The study looked at data from January 2016 to June 2024 and found a noticeable shift in who is being prescribed stimulants. Before the pandemic, 48% of new prescriptions went to women; this figure rose to 59% during the pandemic. The largest increase has been seen in adults aged 25 to 34.
Researchers found that the time between a patient’s first visit for ADHD concerns and their first prescription has shortened during the pandemic. By June 2024, 10.4 adults per 1,000 were receiving stimulant prescriptions each month, marking a rise of more than seven times since the study began.
While this may indicate that care is becoming more efficient, it also raises questions about the thoroughness of patient evaluations. Dr. Nissa Keyashian, a psychiatrist from California, said it’s not surprising to see more adults, particularly women, receiving diagnoses of ADHD for the inattentive subtype, which often goes unnoticed during childhood.
In contrast to the hyperactive behaviors commonly seen in boys, the inattentive subtype tends to create fewer disruptions in school or home settings. Dr. Keyashian pointed out that many individuals only start to struggle with these symptoms when they are on their own and need to create their own structure.
Jonathan Alpert, a therapist from New York City, noted that many of his clients experience challenges with focus and productivity in today’s demanding digital environment. He emphasized that not every attention problem is ADHD, warning against pathologizing normal human difficulties.
The study also highlighted a shift in who prescribes these medications. While psychiatrists continue to prescribe nearly the same number of stimulants, there has been a significant increase from primary care doctors and nurse practitioners.
The pandemic’s rise of telehealth services may have contributed to increased diagnoses, leading to prescriptions for individuals who might not actually meet the criteria for ADHD. Alpert cautioned that medication should treat a genuine disorder rather than merely serve as a performance enhancer.
The researchers did acknowledge some limitations in their study, such as not having access to detailed medical records and uncertainty about how broadly these findings apply across different regions.
For those who suspect they may have ADHD, it is advised to consult a psychiatrist who specializes in the diagnosis. Experts recommend looking into the physician’s experience and expertise in this area.
As mental health continues to be a focus, many individuals are feeling the strain of a world filled with distractions. The challenge remains to discern whether this increase in ADHD diagnoses reflects a true rise in the disorder or the cognitive overload of modern life.
The findings were shared in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
