The recipes for medicines for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) have increased by 18% compared to the previous year since pandemic.
Experts said that increasing awareness of ADHD, also via social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, probably encouraged more people to search for diagnosis and treatment for the disease.
However, they warned that “bad formations on these platforms can lead to misunderstandings about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment”.
Another reason for the increase could be the “strong connection between the effects of the (covid) pandemic and the deterioration of the ADHD symptoms”, they said.
The new study by Aston University and University of Huddersfield experts calculated that the ADHD recipes in England were increased by 18% of 18% of 18% of 18% in 2019/20 (before Covid) (before Covid) (before Covid) (before Covid) in 2023/24.
The team examined the English prescription data for the five currently licensed ADHD medication on national, regional and NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB).
The medication was three stimulants (methylphenidate with brand names such as Ritalin, Concerta and Delmosart; Dexamfetamine, Lisdexamfetamine) and two non -stimulants (atomoxetine and guanfacin).
The study showed that methylphenidate remained the most prescribed medication, while Lisdexamfetamine had the highest growth rate (55% annually).
In the journal BMJ Mental Health was published in the study and gave elements in all seven regions of England at ADHD’s bond -related elements.
“However, there were differences in the prescription trends in different regions, with an average annual increase of 13% in the northeast region and Yorkshire up to 28% in the London region. The second highest change in recipes per year was found in Southeast England (19.37%). “
With regard to the medication, the experts said that the use of ADHD medication in children and adults is supported by “essential evidence”, including that they improve the quality of life and the ability and reduce the abuse of substances.
They also said that the role of medication in the absence or lack of availability of alternative treatment options such as psychological or behavioral therapy is becoming more important. “
With regard to the climb, the researchers said: “The increased public and professional awareness, partly driven by social media platforms such as Tikok and Instagram, has probably encouraged more people to search for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.
“Platforms such as Tikok and Instagram have become new hubs for ADHD campaigns, with thousands of people share their experiences, coping strategies and trips to diagnosis.
“While social media was decisive for the spread of ADHD consciousness, it is crucial to approach the information with caution, since the accuracy and reliability of the content can vary significantly.
“Madelin formations on these platforms can lead to misunderstandings about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.”
The team called for further investigations on the subject of “review and moderation of ADHD-related information on social media” to ensure that the efforts to consciousness “do not accidentally spread misinformation”.
They added: “In addition, the role of professional diagnosis and treatment should be emphasized, which should bring the role of social media into harmony with evidence -based practices.”
On the pandemic, the experts said that she had “changed daily routines dramatically”, such as through online or hybrid teaching and work and increased stress levels for many people.
These changes “may have exacerbated the ADHD symptoms in some people, which causes these symptoms to become more noticeable and cause people to search for diagnosis and treatment.”
Further investigations are required to determine whether these trends “represent a temporary shift or a more permanent change in the ADHD recipes”.
So far, around 5% (700,000) children in Great Britain and about 3 to 4% of adults are said to have had ADHD, but the new research results indicate an increase.
It is known that people with ADHD inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness have suffer and have difficulty concentrating on a specific task or suffering extreme fidgets.
Dr. Ulrich Müller-Sedgwick, ADHD champion at the Royal College of Psychiatrens, said that people with ADHD need access to timely and effective evaluation, “followed by the appropriate treatment”.
He added: “In recent years we have recorded a significant increase in the number of people who are committed to supporting ADHD to support ADHD.
“There are many reasons for this, including improved recognition of ADHD in women, a greater public awareness and the effects of pandemic, which tighten the symptoms of many people.
“The right diagnosis and care, including medication and adequate adjustments, can benefit the health of people considerably and support them in order to achieve their full potential at school, at university or at work.
“We know that the expansion of ADHD services would help people get the important care they need.”
Dr. Paul Keedwell, a consultant psychiatrist and neurodiversity specialist, said: “We know that the diagnostic rate in children and adolescents appeared quite quite, but there was a strong increase in ADHD diagnoses for adults, probably due to improved consciousness (especially in women), digmatization and increased availability of assessment, especially in private use, and one Increased availability of the assessment, especially in private evaluation.
“It could also have an influence of Covid 19 pandemic, including the direct neurological effect of the virus and the recovery of the ratings since the lockdown. The time will show whether this is a blip or a long -term trend.
“After all, there could be a certain degree of overdiagnosis. Although there is no clear evidence of this, it is important that all people receive a holistic evaluation with a psychiatrist.
“Many other mental illnesses can cause ADHD-like symptoms.
“For example, my own clinical work has shown many cases in which inattentive problems were caused by untreated depression than ADHD.
“In addition, ADHD is often accompanied by other mental disorders such as autistic spectrum disorder, complex trauma, anxiety and depression.”
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