SOCIAL MEDIA 'MISINFORMATION' TO BLAME FOR SOARING ADHD PRESCRIPTIONS

• READ MORE: Common drug taken by millions could banish ADHD symptoms

Trendy apps and social media influencers have driven a 'significant' surge in ADHD diagnoses, concerning research warned today. 

Prescriptions for drugs to treat the condition have jumped almost a fifth year-on-year since the pandemic, experts found. 

But social media sites like TikTok and Instagram that promote everyday problems as potential ADHD symptoms have sowed the seed for 'misinformation' encouraging people to seek diagnosis, the scientists said.

Instead, users should approach such information 'with caution' given the 'accuracy and reliability of content can vary significantly', they urged. 

The warning also comes amid a growing number of celebrities sharing their own battles with the condition in recent months. 

Until now, around five per cent of children and up to four per cent of adults were thought to have ADHD in England. 

In the study, however, experts at Aston University and the University of Huddersfield discovered prescriptions nationally had risen from 25.17 items per 1,000 people in 2019/2020 to 41.55 items in 2023/24 — an average annual increase of 18 per cent. 

Yet, the surge was as high as 51 per cent in Birmingham and Solihull. By comparison, Norfolk and Waveney logged an increase of just 5 per cent. 

The team looked at English prescribing data for the five currently licensed ADHD drugs at national, regional, and NHS integrated care board (ICB) levels.

Three were stimulants — methylphenidate, sold under the brand names Ritalin and Concerta — dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. 

Atomoxetine and guanfacine accounted for the other two non-stimulants. 

Methylphenidate remained the most frequently prescribed drug, at 19 items per 1,000 people, the researchers found. 

But the highest increase was seen among lisdexamfetamine, with prescriptions increasing 55 per cent year on year. 

Writing in the journal BMJ Mental Health, the scientists said social media was likely' behind the substantial rise. 

'Increased public and professional awareness, partly driven by social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has likely encouraged more people to seek assessment, diagnosis and treatment,' they wrote. 

'Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become new hubs for ADHD campaigns, with thousands of people sharing their experiences, coping strategies and journey to diagnosis.

'While social media has been instrumental in spreading ADHD awareness, it is crucial to approach the information with caution, as the accuracy and reliability of the content can vary significantly.

'Misinformation on these platforms may lead to misconceptions about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.'

They added: 'There is a pressing need for research into effective methods for vetting and moderating ADHD-related information on social media platforms to ensure that awareness efforts do not inadvertently spread misinformation.'

The widespread disruption and stress caused by the pandemic may also have driven up prescribing rates, the researchers suggested. 

Covid 'dramatically altered daily routines' such as through online or hybrid teaching and work, and increased stress levels for many people, they said. 

These changes 'may have exacerbated ADHD symptoms in some people, making those symptoms more noticeable and prompting individuals to seek diagnosis and treatment'. 

People with ADHD are known to suffer inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, and may struggle to concentrate on a given task, or suffer extreme fidgeting.

Use of the drugs to reduce debilitating symptoms was supported by 'substantial evidence', the researchers added. 

Experts today, who were not involved in the study, acknowledged health professionals had seen a 'significant increase' in the numbers of people coming forward for ADHD support.  

Dr Ulrich Muller-Sedgwick, ADHD champion at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: 'There are many reasons for this, including improved recognition of ADHD in women, greater public awareness and the impacts of the pandemic which exacerbated many people's symptoms.

'The right diagnosis and care, including medication and reasonable adjustments, can greatly benefit people's health and support them to reach their full potential at school, university or work.

'We know that expanding ADHD services through targeted investment would help ensure people receive the vital care they need.'

Dr Paul Keedwell, a consultant psychiatrist and neurodiversity specialist, also suggested there 'could be a degree of over-diagnosing'. 

He added: 'Although there is no clear evidence for this, it is important that all individuals receive a holistic assessment with a psychiatrist.

'Many other mental health conditions can cause ADHD-like symptoms.

'For example, my own clinical work has revealed many cases where inattention problems were caused by untreated depression rather than ADHD.

'Also, ADHD is often accompanied by other mental disorders like autistic spectrum disorder, complex trauma, anxiety and depression.'

Others have also previously warned rogue private clinics are over-diagnosing the condition.

But experts have also argued that ADHD was only officially listed in the UK as a disorder that affects adults in 2008. 

Before then, it was just recognised as a childhood problem that kids grew out of.

As a result, rather than being over diagnosed, some experts claim many adults now being told they have ADHD have gone years having their symptoms dismissed.   

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2025-03-11T22:53:29Z