Adult ADHD stimulant prescriptions are surging, and doctors are raising concerns

A new Canadian study reveals that stimulant prescriptions have more than doubled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a trend that mirrors similar surges in the U.S., Australia, the U.K. and Finland.

Many mental health professionals say the findings align with what they are seeing in their clinics.

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The study, which analyzed data from January 2016 to June 2024, found that the demographics of those receiving stimulants have shifted significantly.

Before the pandemic, 48% of new recipients were female; during the pandemic, that number jumped to 59%. The most significant growth occurred among adults aged 25 to 34.

A young woman looking stressed while she is on her laptop
The time between a patient’s first ADHD-related healthcare visit and their first prescription shortened during the pandemic, researchers noted. (iStock)

The researchers also noted that the time between a patient’s first ADHD-related healthcare visit and their first prescription shortened during the pandemic.

By June 2024, the monthly rate of adults being prescribed stimulants reached 10.4 per 1,000 people, a more than sevenfold rise since the start of the study period.

While this could signal more efficient care, it also raises questions about whether patients are receiving thorough evaluations, the study indicated.