England October to December 2023

Published 7 March 2024

Summary

Between October and December 2023:

There were 730,000 CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items prescribed to an estimated 210,000 identified patients.

The cost of prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD was £31 million.

1. Things you should know

CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD are described in the BNF 68 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

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

Figure 1: Number of prescribed items and identified patients by financial quarter - BNF 4.4: Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and drugs used for ADHD

730,000 CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items prescribed in Q3 2023/24.

210,000 identified patients received prescribing for CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD in Q3 2023/24.

Items and identified patients continue their upwards trend. Items increased by 1.6% and identified patients increased by 1.1% on the previous quarter.

Figure 2: Cost of prescribing by financial quarter - BNF 4.4: Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and drugs used for ADHD

The cost of prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items was £31 million in Q3 2023/24.

Costs increased by 0.4% in Q3 2023/24, a smaller proportional increase than items or identified patients.

Figure 3: Number of prescribed items and identified patients by month - BNF 4.4: Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and drugs used for ADHD

In the 12 months to December, identified patients who received prescribing for CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD increased by 18% compared to the previous 12 months.

In the 12 months to December, CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items increased by 17% compared to the previous 12 months.

3. Sections in this release