Prescriptions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications among individuals aged 16 and older in Ireland surged by 211 per cent over the decade leading to 2024, driven largely by increases among young adults and a narrowing gap between male and female dispensing rates, according to a report published in the Irish Medical Journal.
In Plain English: The Clinical Takeaway
- What is happening: Adult ADHD diagnoses and subsequent pharmaceutical treatments are rising significantly, especially among young people aged 16 to 34.
- First-line medications: The increase is primarily anchored in the prescription of recommended stimulant agents like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
A Decade of Growth in Adult Stimulant Prescriptions
The study analyzed dispensing patterns of stimulant ADHD medications issued to adults across community drug schemes from 2015 through 2024. Using data obtained from the Irish Primary Care Reimbursement Service—specifically covering the General Medical Services scheme and the Drug Payment scheme—researchers tracked both dispensing volumes and patient numbers.
The total number of recorded dosage units for recommended first-line agents climbed from 700,574 in 2015 to 2.2 million by 2024. Concurrently, the total count of patients receiving these medications expanded from 3,377 to 13,966 over the same timeframe. Lisdexamfetamine alone saw a sharp acceleration, with units rising by 504 per cent from 59,088 in 2020 to 356,641 in 2023.
| Metric / Age Group | Baseline Period | End Period | Percentage / Absolute Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Dosage Units | 700,574 (2015) | 2.2 million (2024) | +211% increase |
| Total Patient Count | 3,377 (2015) | 13,966 (2024) | Increase |
| Patients Aged 16–34 | 2,708 | 7,930 | Largest absolute growth group |
| Patients Aged 35–54 | 332 | 2,232 | Substantial mid-adult rise |
| Patients Aged 55+ | 216 | 403 | Smallest group, steady increase |
Demographic Shifts and Regional Disparities in Access
Affecting brain development, ADHD is a prevalent disorder that brings challenges with concentration, impulse regulation, and the handling of surplus energy. Under equality and discrimination legislation in the Republic of Ireland, the condition constitutes a disability whenever its symptoms exert a major, adverse effect on an individual’s everyday living.
The analysis revealed that individuals aged 16 to 34 represented the most prevalent patient population, driving the largest absolute growth from 2,708 to 7,930 patients. Those aged 35 to 54 followed, increasing from 332 to 2,232 patients. While individuals aged 55 and older remained the least prevalent demographic, dispensings in this cohort also ticked upward from 216 to 403.
Notably, by 2024, dispensing rates among women had increased to levels approaching those observed in men. Furthermore, regional patient variation was evident across the country. The report’s authors noted that the largest increases occurred in North Cork, Waterford, and Cork-South Lee. According to the study’s findings, such regional disparities suggest differing levels of local access to diagnostic services, specialist pathways, and trained clinicians.
Methodological Scope and Public Health Implications
The research design utilized a “retrospective repeated cross-sectional design”. However, the study’s authors pointed out certain limitations, observing that private prescriptions were excluded from the dataset. This omission likely led to an underestimation of total adult ADHD medication use, particularly among individuals accessing care outside public reimbursement systems.
Researchers also noted that while methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are prescribed primarily for ADHD, they can be used for other medical conditions, such as narcolepsy. Ultimately, the authors concluded that the increase in prescription volumes underscores the need for expanded assessment pathways, multidisciplinary follow-up, and structured medicines management.
References
- Irish Medical Journal. Study on stimulant ADHD medication dispensing patterns among adults in Ireland (2015–2024).
- Irish Primary Care Reimbursement Service. General Medical Services (GMS) and Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) dispensing utilization reports.
