Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestylePrescriptions for ADHD drugs among middle-aged women in England surged by 40% over the past year, contributing to an overall 31% increase in ADHD prescriptions across all demographics. Adults aged 18 and over experienced a 40% rise in ADHD medication prescriptions, with significant increases observed in women aged 50-59. Experts attribute this rise to a growing recognition of how ADHD presents in women, often characterized by inattentiveness and anxiety rather than hyperactivity, and a reduction in stigma. Many middle-aged adults, particularly women, are seeking diagnoses now because ADHD was only formally recognized for adults by the NHS in 2008, leading to missed diagnoses in childhood. Despite increased awareness and diagnoses, over 800,000 people in England are currently awaiting an ADHD assessment referral, highlighting a significant healthcare gap that the NHS is working to address. In fullNumber of middle-aged women prescribed ADHD drugs rises 40% in a yearMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Experts say the rise has been fuelled by the 'medicalisation of distress' and warn behaviours once considered normal are now often interpreted as requiring treatment.

About 2.5 million people in England have ADHD, according to the NHS. But more than 800,000 people are awaiting a referral for an assessment