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UK ADHD Medication Use Triples, Women See 20-Fold Increase

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The University of Oxford study finds UK ADHD medication use has tripled.
The study reports a 20-fold rise among women aged 25 and older.
Published in Lancet Regional Health – Europe, the research analyzed health records from five European countries.
In the UK, ADHD medication use rose from 0.12% to 0.39%, with NHS overspending increasing, private assessments tripling in cost, and experts warning of rising demand amid shortages.

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Story summary

The University of Oxford study finds UK ADHD medication use has tripled.
The study reports a 20-fold rise among women aged 25 and older.
Published in Lancet Regional Health – Europe, the research analyzed health records from five European countries.
In the UK, ADHD medication use rose from 0.12% to 0.39%, with NHS overspending increasing, private assessments tripling in cost, and experts warning of rising demand amid shortages.