England 2015/16 to 2024/25

Published 24 July 2025

Summary

In England in 2024/25:

3.38 million CNS stimulants and ADHD drug items were prescribed to 326,000 identified patients.

Items and patients both continued to rise in this drug group.

The number of identified patients has risen by 24.3% in adults and 9.48% in children since 2023/24.

1. Things you should know

CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD are described in the British National Formulary (BNF) section 4.4:

  • BNF chemical substance 0404000D0 - Caffeine
  • BNF chemical substance 0404000E0 - Caffeine citrate
  • BNF chemical substance 0404000L0 - Dexamfetamine sulfate
  • BNF chemical substance 0404000M0 - Methylphenidate hydrochloride
  • BNF chemical substance 0404000R0 - Modafinil
  • BNF chemical substance 0404000S0 - Atomoxetine hydrochloride
  • BNF chemical substance 0404000T0 - Dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride
  • BNF chemical substance 0404000U0 - Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate
  • BNF chemical substance 0404000V0 - Guanfacine
  • BNF chemical substance 0404000W0 - Pitolisant hydrochloride

BNF section 4.4 contains a single BNF paragraph and many chemical substances, therefore analysis in this narrative has been limited to section level data. Chemical substance level data is available in the supporting summary tables.

This paragraph is held in the same structure of the BNF prior to the release of version 70.

1.1. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and drugs used for ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) refer to a range of problem behaviours associated with poor attention span. These may include impulsiveness and hyperactivity, as well as inattentiveness; behaviours that often prevent children and adults from learning and socialising. ADHD is sometimes referred to as hyperkinetic disorder (HD).

You can find more information about ADHD on the NHS website.

2. Results - Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and drugs used for ADHD

Number of CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items prescribed in England 2015/16 to 2024/25

Chart
Figure 1: CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items increased rapidly between 2020/21 and 2024/25
Table
Table 1: CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items increased rapidly between 2020/21 and 2024/25
Financial year BNF section name Items
2015/2016 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 1,305,940
2016/2017 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 1,402,028
2017/2018 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 1,492,565
2018/2019 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 1,606,184
2019/2020 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 1,799,082
2020/2021 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 1,832,286
2021/2022 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 2,132,077
2022/2023 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 2,544,087
2023/2024 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 2,914,733
2024/2025 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 3,381,200

Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD

There were 3.38 million CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items prescribed in 2024/25, which was 16.0% more than 2023/24. CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items have increased every year since 2015/16, with a greater rate of increase between 2020/21 to 2024/25.

The increase in items between 2020/21 and 2024/25 was mainly caused by the increase in prescribing of methylphenidate hydrochloride and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate. Prescribing of methylphenidate hydrochloride increased from 1.25 million items in 2020/21 to 1.98 million items in 2024/25, an increase of 58.9%. Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate increased from 250,000 items in 2020/21 to 815,00 items in 2024/25, an increase of 226%.

Number of identified patients prescribed one or more CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items in England 2015/16 to 2024/25

Chart
Figure 2: Identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD increased every year since 2015/16
Table
Table 2: Identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD increased every year since 2015/16
Financial year BNF section name Identified patients
2015/2016 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 107,155
2016/2017 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 115,945
2017/2018 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 124,789
2018/2019 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 136,211
2019/2020 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 154,858
2020/2021 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 162,838
2021/2022 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 192,105
2022/2023 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 233,474
2023/2024 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 277,640
2024/2025 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 326,450

Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD

In 2024/25, 326,000 identified patients received at least one prescription item for CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD. This was a 17.6% increase from 2023/24. Identified patients have had a very similar upward trend to items, rising every year since 2015/16 with a steeper incline since 2020/21.

Number of items and identified patients for CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD prescribing in England, quarter 1 2015/16 to quarter 4 2024/25

Chart
Figure 3: CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs items and identified patients increased in every quarter of 2024/25
Table
Table 3: CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs items and identified patients increased in every quarter of 2024/25
Financial quarter BNF section name Identified patients Total prescribed items
2015/2016 Q1 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 80,803 319,735
2015/2016 Q2 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 80,540 318,208
2015/2016 Q3 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 84,375 337,848
2015/2016 Q4 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 86,303 330,149
2016/2017 Q1 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 88,615 346,859
2016/2017 Q2 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 87,290 338,907
2016/2017 Q3 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 90,318 357,651
2016/2017 Q4 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 92,986 358,611
2017/2018 Q1 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 94,863 367,206
2017/2018 Q2 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 94,241 362,571
2017/2018 Q3 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 97,723 381,695
2017/2018 Q4 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 100,442 381,093
2018/2019 Q1 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 103,198 395,372
2018/2019 Q2 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 102,247 383,796
2018/2019 Q3 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 106,611 412,807
2018/2019 Q4 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 110,023 414,209
2019/2020 Q1 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 114,743 432,758
2019/2020 Q2 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 116,214 431,137
2019/2020 Q3 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 121,956 458,777
2019/2020 Q4 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 126,883 476,410
2020/2021 Q1 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 118,324 427,907
2020/2021 Q2 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 121,768 440,128
2020/2021 Q3 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 130,631 486,937
2020/2021 Q4 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 132,573 477,314
2021/2022 Q1 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 139,694 508,883
2021/2022 Q2 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 141,843 509,041
2021/2022 Q3 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 150,203 548,468
2021/2022 Q4 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 158,639 565,685
2022/2023 Q1 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 167,222 604,284
2022/2023 Q2 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 170,729 607,427
2022/2023 Q3 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 181,006 645,577
2022/2023 Q4 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 191,612 686,799
2023/2024 Q1 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 202,304 711,369
2023/2024 Q2 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 207,509 716,393
2023/2024 Q3 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 209,895 727,930
2023/2024 Q4 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 222,022 759,041
2024/2025 Q1 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 232,374 795,381
2024/2025 Q2 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 233,807 805,688
2024/2025 Q3 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 248,012 869,914
2024/2025 Q4 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 265,566 910,217

Source: Quarterly statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD

CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items and identified patients both increased across all 4 quarters of 2024/25. In quarter 4 ended March 2025, prescribing in this section increased to 910,000 items, 4.63% more than the previous quarter. This was also 19.9% more than the same quarter in 2023/24. Identified patients also increased to 266,000 in January to March 2025. This was an increase of 7.08% from the previous quarter and 19.6% more than the same quarter in 2023/24.

Number of identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD by age band and gender, England 2024/25

The data used in this chart and table includes identified patients where age and gender are known (98.8%). The number of patients is the raw figure and has not been adjusted by the national population of the same age and gender group. When interpreting demographic information the underlying populations should also be considered.

Chart
Figure 4: Male patients aged 10 to 14 was the largest prescribing group for CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs
Table
Table 4: Male patients aged 10 to 14 was the largest prescribing group for CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs
BNF section name Age band Patient gender Total identified patients
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 0 to 4 Female 9
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 0 to 4 Male 29
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 5 to 9 Female 4,904
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 5 to 9 Male 17,138
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 10 to 14 Female 16,866
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 10 to 14 Male 54,173
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 15 to 19 Female 20,103
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 15 to 19 Male 39,544
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 20 to 24 Female 15,394
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 20 to 24 Male 17,413
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 25 to 29 Female 16,742
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 25 to 29 Male 16,685
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 30 to 34 Female 15,523
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 30 to 34 Male 15,510
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 35 to 39 Female 12,117
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 35 to 39 Male 11,306
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 40 to 44 Female 9,230
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 40 to 44 Male 8,035
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 45 to 49 Female 7,023
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 45 to 49 Male 5,840
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 50 to 54 Female 4,994
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 50 to 54 Male 4,394
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 55 to 59 Female 3,103
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 55 to 59 Male 2,673
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 60 to 64 Female 1,582
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 60 to 64 Male 1,410
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 65 to 69 Female 712
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 65 to 69 Male 704
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 70 to 74 Female 434
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 70 to 74 Male 412
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 75 to 79 Female 293
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 75 to 79 Male 305
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 80 to 84 Female 154
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 80 to 84 Male 145
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 85 to 89 Female 92
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 85 to 89 Male 73
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 90+ Female 24
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 90+ Male 24

Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD

There has been a noticeable difference in prescribing between male and female patients since 2015/16 for CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD. This continued in 2024/25, with an estimated 196,000 male patients and 129,000 female patients.

Male patients aged 10 to 14 was the largest group across all age and gender groups in 2024/25. Of all identified patients with a known age and gender, 16.7% were male patients aged 10 to 14. Male patients aged 15 to 19 was the second largest group, at 12.2%. The overall number of female patients was lower and the largest group of female patients were those aged 15 to 19, followed by those aged 10 to 14.

Number of identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD by Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile, England 2024/25

Chart
Figure 5: Number of patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs higher in more deprived areas (quintiles 1 and 2)
Table
Table 5: Number of patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs higher in more deprived areas (quintiles 1 and 2)
BNF section name IMD quintile Total identified patients
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 1 - Most Deprived 71,709
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 2 73,077
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 3 67,860
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 4 65,914
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 5 - Least Deprived 66,210

Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD

In 2024/25, there were an estimated 71,700 patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items in the most deprived areas in England. This was 8.31% more than those in the least deprived areas.

In general, more people were prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD items in more deprived areas (quintiles 1 and 2) in 2024/25. However, for the first time since 2015/2016, quintile 2 had the greatest number of identified patients, with 1,370 more patients than quintile 1, the most deprived areas. In 2024/25, there were also more identified patients in quintile 5, the least deprived areas, compared to quintile 4. This difference was only small with just 296 more patients in quintile 5 than in quintile 4.

Number of identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD per 1,000 population by ICB, England 2024/25

Map
Figure 6 (map): Identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs per 1,000 population varied by ICB
Chart
Figure 6 (chart): Identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs per 1,000 population varied by ICB

Note: After rounding the data, some ICBs have the same number of estimated patients per 1,000 population. This chart has been arranged by the unrounded values for each ICB.

Table
Table 6: Identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs per 1,000 population varied by ICB
ICB name ICB code BNF section name Patients per 1000 population
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board QYG CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 11.1
NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board QXU CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 9.8
NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board QOC CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 9.3
NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board QHG CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 9.1
NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board QJM CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 9.0
NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board QUY CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 8.9
NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board QT6 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 8.6
NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board QH8 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 8.6
NHS Derby and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board QJ2 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 8.5
NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board QKS CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 8.3
NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board QK1 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 8.1
NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board QMJ CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 8.1
NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board QU9 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 8.0
NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board QOX CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 7.8
NHS South West London Integrated Care Board QWE CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 7.8
NHS South East London Integrated Care Board QKK CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 7.7
NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board QNQ CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 7.6
NHS North East London Integrated Care Board QMF CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 7.3
NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board QF7 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 7.3
NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board QT1 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 7.2
NHS North West London Integrated Care Board QRV CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 7.1
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board QRL CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 7.0
NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board QPM CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 7.0
NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board QVV CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 6.8
NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board QJG CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 6.8
NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board QNX CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 6.8
NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board QMM CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 6.7
NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care Board QOP CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 6.4
NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board QHL CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 6.2
NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board QM7 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 6.0
NHS Devon Integrated Care Board QJK CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 5.8
NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board QGH CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 5.7
NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board QE1 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 5.4
NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board QUE CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 5.3
NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board QSL CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 5.3
NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board QNC CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 5.0
NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board QUA CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 4.8
NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board QHM CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 4.7
NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board QWU CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 4.5
NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board QR1 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 4.4
NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board QWO CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 4.0
NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board QOQ CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 3.5

Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | Office for National Statistics - ICB Mid-year population estimates

In 2024/25, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB had the highest estimated number of identified patients per 1,000 population prescribed at least one CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD item. There were an estimated 11 patients per 1,000 population in this ICB.

NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB had the lowest estimated number of identified patients prescribed at least one CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD item. This ICB had an estimated 4 patients per 1,000 population.

Prescribing in adults and children

Children are classed as patients aged 17 and under at 30 September for the given financial year.

Number of identified patients prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD, by adult and child age bands, England 2024/25

Chart
Figure 7: The number of adult patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs has increased more rapidly than the number of child patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs
Table
Table 7: The number of adult patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs has increased more rapidly than the number of child patients prescribed CNS stimulants and ADHD drugs
Financial Year BNF Section Name Age Band Total Identified Patients
2015/2016 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 17 and under 67,057
2015/2016 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 18 and over 38,361
2016/2017 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 17 and under 71,427
2016/2017 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 18 and over 43,236
2017/2018 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 17 and under 75,113
2017/2018 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 18 and over 47,533
2018/2019 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 17 and under 80,630
2018/2019 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 18 and over 53,726
2019/2020 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 17 and under 90,397
2019/2020 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 18 and over 62,632
2020/2021 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 17 and under 89,882
2020/2021 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 18 and over 71,707
2021/2022 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 17 and under 99,925
2021/2022 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 18 and over 90,812
2022/2023 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 17 and under 112,414
2022/2023 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 18 and over 119,748
2023/2024 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 17 and under 123,510
2023/2024 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 18 and over 152,874
2024/2025 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 17 and under 135,221
2024/2025 CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD 18 and over 190,076

Source: Financial year statistical summary tables - CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD

In 2024/25, out of the total number of patients with a known age, there were 190,000 adult patients and 135,000 child patients, prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD. There were 24.3% more adult identified patients and 9.48% more child identified patients compared to 2023/24.

For both adults and children, the increase in items was smaller than the increase in identified patients since 2023/24. In 2024/25, items prescribed to adults increased by 23.2% to 1.85 million, and increased by 7.84% for children to 1.17 million items.

3. Sections in this release