2023-10-27 11:00:23
ADHD Medication Use Increases by 8% in 2022, With Lisdexamfetamine Showing Largest Growth
According to a recent report by the SFK published in the Pharmaceutisch Weekblad, the number of users of medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has increased by 8.0% in 2022. The surge in usage was particularly notable among individuals using lisdexamfetamine, a commonly prescribed drug for ADHD treatment.
In 2022, the total number of users of all ADHD medications rose from 261,000 to 282,000. Lisdexamfetamine experienced a significant jump in user numbers, increasing by 23% among children aged 6 to 17 and by 36% among adults aged 18 to 49.
Methylphenidate and dexamphetamine, the other commonly used medications for ADHD, saw stable usage among children but witnessed a noticeable rise in adult users. The number of adults taking dexamphetamine increased by 13%, from 32,000 to 36,000, while the usage of methylphenidate went up by 11%, from 111,000 to 123,000.
When the number of users is adjusted for the population per age group, it becomes apparent that the usage of methylphenidate among young individuals is considerably higher than among adults, even though the number of users per 1000 inhabitants remains stable in both age groups. However, lisdexamfetamine usage increased in both age groups.
In terms of costs, the total expenditure on ADHD medication increased by 14.7% in 2022, surpassing €78 million compared to the previous year’s €68 million. The increased cost per user of lisdexamfetamine and dexamphetamine contributed to the overall rise, with these drugs being approximately four times more expensive than methylphenidate.
The rise in ADHD medication usage likely reflects an increasing recognition and diagnosis of the disorder in both children and adults. While medication is often prescribed alongside psychological treatments, it plays a vital role in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for individuals with ADHD.
The SFK’s report sheds light on the evolving landscape of ADHD treatment and the prevalence of specific medications within this domain. With the significant growth in lisdexamfetamine use, further investigation and research will be necessary to understand the underlying factors contributing to this trend.
Source: SFK]
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