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EXPLORE FURTHER: Widely Used Medication Might Eliminate Symptoms of ADHD
Popular applications and social media personalities have fueled a considerable increase in
ADHD
Diagnoses, regarding studies cautioned today.
Experts discovered that prescriptions for medications to address the condition have surged nearly 20% year-over-year since the start of the pandemic.
However, social networking websites such as
TikTok
And those Instagram posts that highlight common daily issues as possible signs of ADHD have planted the seeds for misinformation, prompting individuals to pursue diagnoses, according to the researchers.
Users should instead view this information with caution, as the accuracy and reliability of the content can differ greatly, they advised.
The warning has come at a time when an increasing number of public figures have been opening up about their struggles with the condition over the past few months.
Up until now, approximately five percent of children and as high as four percent of adults were believed to have ADHD in England.
In this research, specialists from Aston University and the University of Huddersfield found that national prescription rates escalated from 25.17 items for every 1,000 individuals in 2019/2020 to 41.55 items in 2023/24 — marking an average yearly rise of 18 percent.
Nevertheless, the increase reached up to 51 percent.
Birmingham
and Solihull. In contrast, Norfolk and Waveney saw an increase of only 5 percent.
The group examined English prescription information for the five presently approved ADHD medications across national, regional, and NHS integrated care board (ICB) levels.
There were three stimulants mentioned: methylphenidate, which is available as Ritalin and Concerta; dexamphetamine; and lisdexamphetamine.
Atomoxetine and guanfacine made up the remaining two non-stimulant options.
The researchers discovered that methylphenidate was still the most commonly prescribed medication, with 19 items dispensed for every 1,000 people.
However, the most significant rise was observed in lisdexamfetamine prescriptions, which increased by 55 percent compared to the previous year.
Writing in the journal
BMJ Mental Health
The scientists indicated that social media was probably responsible for the significant increase.
‘The rise in public and professional awareness, largely fueled by social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, may have prompted more individuals to pursue evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy,’ they noted.
‘TikTok and Instagram have emerged as new centers for ADHD awareness, where numerous individuals share their personal stories, coping mechanisms, and paths to diagnosis.’
Although social media has played a key role in promoting ADHD awareness, it’s important to be cautious when consuming this information since the accuracy and dependability of such content can differ greatly.
‘False information on these platforms could result in misunderstandings regarding symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments.’
They included: “It is crucial to conduct studies on reliable techniques for reviewing and managing ADHD-related content on social media platforms to guarantee that awareness initiatives do not unintentionally propagate false information.”
The extensive disruptions and stresses brought about by the pandemic might have contributed to increased prescription rates, according to the research team.
COVID has dramatically changed everyday activities like shifting to online or hybrid methods of teaching and working, and this has also led to higher stress levels for numerous individuals, according to them.
These modifications might have intensified ADHD symptoms in certain individuals, rendering these symptoms more apparent and leading people to pursue diagnosis and treatment.
Individuals with ADHD often experience issues like lack of attention, hyperactive behavior, and impulsive actions, which can make it challenging for them to focus on specific tasks or lead to severe restlessness.
The researchers also noted that the use of these medications to alleviate severe symptoms was backed by substantial evidence.
Today’s experts, who weren’t part of the research, recognized that healthcare providers have observed a considerable rise in individuals seeking assistance for ADHD.
Dr Ulrich Muller-Sedgwick, who advocates for ADHD at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, stated: “This increase can be attributed to several factors such as better identification of ADHD in females, increased public understanding, and the effects of the pandemic which worsened symptoms for numerous individuals.”
‘A proper diagnosis along with appropriate treatment, which includes medications and necessary accommodations, can significantly improve individuals’ well-being and help them achieve their fullest potential in school, college, or their career.’
‘Expanding ADHD services via focused investments will assist in guaranteeing individuals get the essential care required.’
Dr Paul Keedwell, a consulting psychiatrist and neurodiversity expert, likewise proposed that
‘There might be an element of diagnosing too much.’
He stated: “Even though there isn’t concrete proof of this, it’s crucial that every person gets a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a psychiatrist.”
‘Numerous other psychiatric disorders can lead to symptoms similar to those of ADHD.’
For instance, my clinical practice has uncovered numerous instances where issues with inattention stemmed from undiagnosed depression instead of ADHD.
‘Additionally, ADHD frequently coexists with other mental health conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, complex trauma, anxiety, and depression.’
Others have also previously
alerted that errant private clinics are misdiagnosing the issue excessively.
However, experts have also contended that ADHD was first recognized in the UK as an adult disorder back in 2008.
Previously, it was seen merely as a childhood issue that children would eventually grow out of.
Consequently, instead of facing an excess of diagnoses, certain specialists argue that numerous adults currently receiving an ADHD diagnosis may have had their symptoms overlooked for years.
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