Scotland is experiencing a major increase in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses and prescriptions, especially among adults. The scale of this rise reveals significant shifts in mental health awareness and services.
Dramatic Rise in Adult ADHD Diagnoses
- The number of adults diagnosed with ADHD in Scotland has soared by nearly 50%, rising from 14,160 to over 21,000 in the last two years.
- ADHD continues to affect around 5% of school-aged children in Scotland, roughly 37,000 individuals.
ADHD Medication Prescriptions Hit Record High
- Prescriptions for medications such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) have jumped by a third, now exceeding 34,000 for 2024/25.
- NHS spending on five major ADHD medications increased by 40%, from £9.1 million in 2021/22 to nearly £13 million in 2023/24.
- Increased demand has led to ongoing medication shortages and supply chain strain for many ADHD drugs.
What’s Behind the Sudden Increase?
Greater Public Awareness
- Social media platforms like TikTok have played a significant role in educating adults about ADHD symptoms. Content shared online has prompted many to seek formal diagnoses, especially among women who have historically been underdiagnosed.
- The understanding of ADHD as a condition affecting both children and adults has grown, leading more adults—some missed as children—to seek diagnosis and support.
Service Strain and Waiting Times
- NHS mental health services have struggled to keep up with rapid demand increases. In some regions, adult ADHD referrals have increased dramatically in just a few years.
- Waiting times for ADHD assessments can vary greatly across Scotland, with some adults facing waits of 18 to 36 months.
- Many health boards report shortages of specialist psychiatrists and standardized care pathways, adding to access challenges.
Increased Discussion of Underdiagnosis
- ADHD remains significantly underdiagnosed in adults, particularly in women and those who adapted as children. Experts estimate between 2.5% and 4% of Scottish adults have ADHD, but only a fraction have formal diagnoses.
The COVID-19 Pandemic’s Aftermath
- Pandemic disruptions, work-from-home arrangements, and changes in routines have brought ADHD symptoms to the forefront for many adults. The sudden loss of structure exacerbated difficulties with focus and organization, prompting more people to seek assessment.
Expert Voices
“The impact on mental health services has been immense. Teams that were already stretched are struggling to meet demand, leading to lengthy waiting lists.”
— Dr. Pavan Srireddy, Vice-Chair, Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland
Calls from professionals emphasize the need for expanded services, improved care pathways, and greater investment to address these pressures.
Concerns and Controversies
- Risk of Misinformation: While increased awareness is largely positive, some experts are concerned about inaccurate information circulating online, which may prompt unnecessary or misguided self-diagnosis.
- Equity and Access: There are inequalities in ADHD assessment and care, depending on regional NHS resources. Some patients are turning to private clinics due to NHS backlogs.
- Medication Shortages: Recent demand surges and global supply chain issues have led to periodic shortages of key ADHD medications, affecting both new and existing patients.
The Road Ahead
There is a critical and longstanding need for a comprehensive Scottish ADHD strategy. Priorities include standardizing diagnostic pathways, increasing capacity, and investing in long-term support for adults and children affected by ADHD.
As Scotland faces this rapid rise, a multifaceted approach—combining public education, proper funding, and evidence-based care—will be essential to ensure those affected receive timely and appropriate support.
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