Story perspectives

ADHD Stimulant Prescriptions Surge 157% Amid Pandemic

12/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

A study in JAMA Network Open finds a 157% rise in ADHD stimulant prescriptions in Ontario from 2015-2023, accelerating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers attribute the rise to screen time, ADHD awareness, and identification of undiagnosed individuals.
Adult females showed the largest growth, with a 421% rise among people aged 25 to 44.
Experts warn about overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis and urge accurate diagnoses and monitoring to limit side effects.

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Story summary

A study in JAMA Network Open finds a 157% rise in ADHD stimulant prescriptions in Ontario from 2015-2023, accelerating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers attribute the rise to screen time, ADHD awareness, and identification of undiagnosed individuals.
Adult females showed the largest growth, with a 421% rise among people aged 25 to 44.
Experts warn about overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis and urge accurate diagnoses and monitoring to limit side effects.