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ADHD Stimulant Prescriptions Skyrocket Post-Pandemic
10 Mar
Summary
- ADHD stimulant prescriptions doubled in Canada since the pandemic began.
- Young adults, particularly 18-24 year olds, show the largest increase.
- Women now represent a higher percentage of stimulant users post-pandemic.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a notable surge in prescriptions for ADHD stimulant medications, with experts identifying virtual screening services and social media influence as significant contributing factors. A comprehensive study analyzing data from nearly 330,000 adults in Ontario revealed that ADHD stimulant prescriptions have doubled since March 2020.
The most pronounced increase and highest rates of new stimulant recipients were observed among young adults, specifically those aged 18 to 24. Furthermore, women constituted 59 percent of adults initiating stimulant prescriptions after the pandemic began, a notable shift from pre-pandemic rates where prescriptions were similar between genders. This trend mirrors observations globally, with similar rises reported in the UK.
Researchers suggest that while improved awareness of adult ADHD and enhanced access to care have likely contributed to more individuals receiving diagnoses, the rapid escalation also raises concerns. The speed of these increases, coupled with the rise of virtual health services and shorter assessment timelines, prompts questions about the quality and appropriateness of current diagnostic practices, potentially leading to misdiagnoses and harm.
