Surge in ADHD Prescriptions and NHS Screening Blunder Raise Public Health Concerns in England
Recent studies indicate a significant increase in ADHD medication prescriptions, while systemic errors have jeopardized cancer screening efforts for thousands.
In England, the number of prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication has surged by 18% annually since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study conducted by academics from the University of Huddersfield and Aston University.
The findings, published in BMJ Mental Health, reveal that the average number of ADHD prescriptions rose from approximately 25 per 1,000 people in the 2019/20 fiscal year to 41.55 in 2023/24.
The research indicates that increased public awareness, potentially driven by social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, may contribute to the growing demand for ADHD assessments, diagnoses, and treatments.
Experts caution, however, that while public awareness is beneficial, it is essential to critically evaluate the accuracy of information shared online.
ADHD is characterized by symptoms including impulsivity, disorganization, and difficulty in sustaining attention.
The study highlights noteworthy disparities in prescribing patterns across different regions of England.
While London reported the most significant annual increase in ADHD prescriptions at 28%, the southeast followed with a rise of 19.5%.
In contrast, the northeast and Yorkshire regions recorded the lowest increase at 13%.
The researchers found that the most prescribed drug remains methylphenidate—marketed under brand names such as Ritalin and Concerta—followed by a dramatic 55% increase in the prescription of lisdexamfetamine, rising from 2.86 to 8.68 items per 1,000 people from 2019 to 2024.
The assessment also uncovered a correlation between ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and ADHD prescription rates, suggesting that areas with significant white populations exhibit higher prescription counts compared to more ethnically diverse regions like London and the Midlands.
Additionally, researchers noted that "widespread disruption and increased psychological stress levels" during the pandemic may be influencing the uptick in prescriptions.
In a parallel public health issue, NHS officials reported that ten individuals have died from cancer due to a failure in the screening process, impacting over 5,000 patients.
An IT error prevented routine invitations for bowel, breast, and cervical cancer screening, as well as abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, from being sent to eligible patients.
Health Minister Ashley Dalton confirmed the NHS has reached out to individuals affected by the oversight and set up a helpline for further assistance.
The issue arose when incorrect GP registrations meant that patients’ details were not relayed to the NHS screening system.
Dalton reported that, while ten patients were diagnosed with cancer without having been invited to screening, an assessment of clinical impact is ongoing.
Furthermore, NHS England has identified the systemic failure, which persisted despite earlier complaints from individuals regarding missed invitations.
In response to this crisis, processes have been revised to ensure the accurate transfer of patient information for screening eligibility.
Steve Russell, NHS England’s director for vaccinations and screening, stated that those affected would receive proper support and necessary catch-up screenings, reinforcing the commitment to inviting all eligible citizens to participate in life-saving programmes.
Public health experts have emphasized the importance of early cancer detection and the need for transparency to restore confidence in the screening process.
The intersection of rising ADHD prescriptions and failures in cancer screening underscores significant challenges facing public health systems in England, necessitating a concerted effort to improve access to care and ensure patient safety.
The findings, published in BMJ Mental Health, reveal that the average number of ADHD prescriptions rose from approximately 25 per 1,000 people in the 2019/20 fiscal year to 41.55 in 2023/24.
The research indicates that increased public awareness, potentially driven by social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, may contribute to the growing demand for ADHD assessments, diagnoses, and treatments.
Experts caution, however, that while public awareness is beneficial, it is essential to critically evaluate the accuracy of information shared online.
ADHD is characterized by symptoms including impulsivity, disorganization, and difficulty in sustaining attention.
The study highlights noteworthy disparities in prescribing patterns across different regions of England.
While London reported the most significant annual increase in ADHD prescriptions at 28%, the southeast followed with a rise of 19.5%.
In contrast, the northeast and Yorkshire regions recorded the lowest increase at 13%.
The researchers found that the most prescribed drug remains methylphenidate—marketed under brand names such as Ritalin and Concerta—followed by a dramatic 55% increase in the prescription of lisdexamfetamine, rising from 2.86 to 8.68 items per 1,000 people from 2019 to 2024.
The assessment also uncovered a correlation between ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and ADHD prescription rates, suggesting that areas with significant white populations exhibit higher prescription counts compared to more ethnically diverse regions like London and the Midlands.
Additionally, researchers noted that "widespread disruption and increased psychological stress levels" during the pandemic may be influencing the uptick in prescriptions.
In a parallel public health issue, NHS officials reported that ten individuals have died from cancer due to a failure in the screening process, impacting over 5,000 patients.
An IT error prevented routine invitations for bowel, breast, and cervical cancer screening, as well as abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, from being sent to eligible patients.
Health Minister Ashley Dalton confirmed the NHS has reached out to individuals affected by the oversight and set up a helpline for further assistance.
The issue arose when incorrect GP registrations meant that patients’ details were not relayed to the NHS screening system.
Dalton reported that, while ten patients were diagnosed with cancer without having been invited to screening, an assessment of clinical impact is ongoing.
Furthermore, NHS England has identified the systemic failure, which persisted despite earlier complaints from individuals regarding missed invitations.
In response to this crisis, processes have been revised to ensure the accurate transfer of patient information for screening eligibility.
Steve Russell, NHS England’s director for vaccinations and screening, stated that those affected would receive proper support and necessary catch-up screenings, reinforcing the commitment to inviting all eligible citizens to participate in life-saving programmes.
Public health experts have emphasized the importance of early cancer detection and the need for transparency to restore confidence in the screening process.
The intersection of rising ADHD prescriptions and failures in cancer screening underscores significant challenges facing public health systems in England, necessitating a concerted effort to improve access to care and ensure patient safety.
