ADHD prescription rates surge 40% among middle‑aged women in England

Data from the NHS show that the number of people prescribed medication for attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in England rose 31% to 427,000 last year. Adult prescriptions increased 40%, climbing from 190,000 in 2024 to 267,000 in 2025. The steepest growth was seen in women aged 50‑59, with 4,107 prescriptions for the 55‑59 age group – a rise of about 40%.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Stefan Ivantu said the trend reflects growing recognition of how ADHD presents in females and a reduction in stigma. He warned that the surge makes careful clinical assessment more important, noting that physical conditions such as thyroid issues or perimenopause can mimic ADHD symptoms. Boys aged 10‑14 remain the largest prescribing group, with 59,111 prescriptions, while teenage girls also saw a notable increase.

Overall, around 2.5 million people in the UK are estimated to have ADHD, many still undiagnosed, highlighting the need for better diagnostic pathways and integrated care.