England April to June 2023

Published 14 September 2023

Summary

Between April and June 2023:

710,000 CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items were prescribed to an estimated 200,000 identified patients.

The cost of prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items was £30 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

710,000 CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items prescribed in Q1 2023/24.

200,000 identified patients received prescribing for CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD section in Q1 2023/24.

Items and patients continue to trend upwards for CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items. There was a 3.6% increase in items and a 5.6% increase in patients 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 £30 million in Q1 2023/24.

The cost of prescribing CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD continues to trend upwards, there was a 5.1% increase on the previous quarter.

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

On average, 130,000 patients per month received prescribing for a CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD item over the last 12 months.

CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items increased by 19% over the last 12 months.

3. Sections in this release