ArticleBJPsych open2024
An analysis of prescribing data in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder for adolescents and adults in Scotland.
Article in BJPsych open, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Diagnosis and Prescribing Patterns of Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Tertiary Care Hospital in the United Arab Emirates: A Retrospective Study.Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment · 2026Article
- Contextual factors influencing neuro-affirming practice: Identifying what helps or hinders implementation in health and social care.Autism : the international journal of research and practice · 2025Article
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5 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundMedication, combined with environmental and psychosocial support, can mitigate adverse outcomes in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There is a need for research into regional and national prescription volumes and patterns, especially among adults.
aimsThis study analysed prescribing patterns for medications commonly used to treat ADHD in adolescents and adults.
methodData was extracted from the NHS Scotland Prescribing Information System on prescriptions for 7806 adolescents (aged 10-19 years) and 4998 adults (aged 20-59 years) in 2019. This included medications listed under Section 4.4 of the British National Formulary. We explored 2019 prescription patterns across different regions and estimated ADHD prevalence levels. Additionally, we assessed changes in dispensed prescriptions, defined daily dose and costs, compared with figures from 2010.
resultsBetween 2010 and 2019, prescriptions for ADHD medications increased (dispensed prescriptions +233.2%, defined daily dose +234.9%, cost +216.6%). Despite these increases, analysis indicated that in 2019, considering a 5% estimated ADHD prevalence among adolescents, 73% were not prescribed medication, increasing to 81% at a 7% estimated prevalence. Similarly, among adults with a 2% estimated prevalence, 91% were not prescribed medication, rising to 96% at a 4% estimated prevalence. Regional disparities were evident, with 41-96% of adolescents and 85-100% of adults, based on ADHD prevalence estimates, not receiving a prescription, depending on area.
conclusionsAlthough prescription rates for ADHD medication have increased over time, the data do not indicate excessive use of medication. Instead, they suggest that for some groups there is a lower use of medication compared with expected prevalence figures, especially among adults.
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