England - April to June 2024
Published 12 September 2024
Summary
Between April and June 2024:
There were 800,000 CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items prescribed to an estimated 230,000 identified patients.
The cost of prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD was £36 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
Number of prescribed items and identified patients by financial quarter - BNF 4.4: Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and drugs used for ADHD
Chart
Figure 1: CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items and identified patients increased in Q1 2024/25
Table
Table 1: CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items and identified patients increased in Q1 2024/25
| Financial quarter | BNF section name | Total prescribed items | Identified patients |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018/2019 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 395,372 | 103,198 |
| 2018/2019 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 383,796 | 102,247 |
| 2018/2019 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 412,807 | 106,611 |
| 2018/2019 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 414,209 | 110,023 |
| 2019/2020 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 432,758 | 114,743 |
| 2019/2020 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 431,137 | 116,214 |
| 2019/2020 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 458,777 | 121,956 |
| 2019/2020 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 476,410 | 126,883 |
| 2020/2021 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 427,907 | 118,324 |
| 2020/2021 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 440,128 | 121,768 |
| 2020/2021 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 486,937 | 130,631 |
| 2020/2021 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 477,314 | 132,573 |
| 2021/2022 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 508,883 | 139,694 |
| 2021/2022 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 509,041 | 141,843 |
| 2021/2022 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 548,468 | 150,203 |
| 2021/2022 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 565,685 | 158,639 |
| 2022/2023 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 604,284 | 167,222 |
| 2022/2023 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 607,427 | 170,729 |
| 2022/2023 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 645,577 | 181,006 |
| 2022/2023 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 686,799 | 191,612 |
| 2023/2024 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 711,369 | 202,304 |
| 2023/2024 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 716,393 | 207,509 |
| 2023/2024 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 727,930 | 209,895 |
| 2023/2024 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 759,041 | 222,022 |
| 2024/2025 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 795,381 | 232,374 |
800,000 CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items prescribed in Q1 2024/25.
230,000 identified patients received prescribing for CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD in Q1 2024/25.
Items and identified patients continue their upwards trend. Items increased by 4.8% and identified patients increased by 4.7% on the previous quarter.
Cost of prescribing by financial quarter - BNF 4.4: Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and drugs used for ADHD
Chart
Figure 2: CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD costs increased in Q1 2024/25
Table
Table 2: CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD costs increased in Q1 2024/25
| Financial quarter | BNF section name | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018/2019 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 16,719,936 |
| 2018/2019 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 16,285,568 |
| 2018/2019 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 17,442,795 |
| 2018/2019 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 17,371,125 |
| 2019/2020 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 18,094,657 |
| 2019/2020 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 18,169,733 |
| 2019/2020 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 19,096,651 |
| 2019/2020 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 19,913,958 |
| 2020/2021 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 18,312,206 |
| 2020/2021 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 18,618,798 |
| 2020/2021 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 20,427,543 |
| 2020/2021 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 20,077,278 |
| 2021/2022 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 21,298,271 |
| 2021/2022 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 20,869,950 |
| 2021/2022 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 21,962,452 |
| 2021/2022 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 22,417,466 |
| 2022/2023 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 24,178,146 |
| 2022/2023 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 24,596,812 |
| 2022/2023 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 26,464,915 |
| 2022/2023 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 28,499,556 |
| 2023/2024 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 29,944,759 |
| 2023/2024 Q2 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 31,253,070 |
| 2023/2024 Q3 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 31,390,508 |
| 2023/2024 Q4 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 33,484,748 |
| 2024/2025 Q1 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 35,611,684 |
The cost of prescribed CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items was £36 million in Q1 2024/25.
Costs increased by 6.4% in Q1 2024/25, a larger proportional increase than items or identified patients.
Number of prescribed items and identified patients by month - BNF 4.4: Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and drugs used for ADHD
Chart
Figure 3: CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items and identified patients increased in the past twelve months
Table
Table 3: CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items and identified patients increased in the past twelve months
| Month | BNF section name | Total prescribed items | Identified patients |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201804 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 125,664 | 68,477 |
| 201805 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 135,011 | 72,354 |
| 201806 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 134,697 | 72,385 |
| 201807 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 131,174 | 70,072 |
| 201808 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 124,526 | 66,285 |
| 201809 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 128,096 | 70,338 |
| 201810 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 139,093 | 73,893 |
| 201811 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 138,639 | 74,636 |
| 201812 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 135,075 | 72,805 |
| 201901 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 139,239 | 75,797 |
| 201902 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 128,718 | 71,180 |
| 201903 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 146,252 | 78,956 |
| 201904 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 137,308 | 75,704 |
| 201905 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 151,027 | 82,019 |
| 201906 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 144,423 | 80,409 |
| 201907 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 145,308 | 78,781 |
| 201908 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 140,071 | 76,317 |
| 201909 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 145,758 | 82,391 |
| 201910 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 154,571 | 85,202 |
| 201911 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 151,428 | 85,012 |
| 201912 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 152,778 | 84,734 |
| 202001 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 161,005 | 89,801 |
| 202002 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 147,953 | 84,623 |
| 202003 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 167,452 | 92,670 |
| 202004 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 146,549 | 83,498 |
| 202005 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 137,515 | 82,045 |
| 202006 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 143,843 | 84,787 |
| 202007 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 148,945 | 86,298 |
| 202008 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 135,035 | 80,573 |
| 202009 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 156,148 | 91,131 |
| 202010 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 161,675 | 92,755 |
| 202011 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 159,409 | 93,225 |
| 202012 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 165,853 | 93,967 |
| 202101 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 156,839 | 92,802 |
| 202102 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 148,313 | 89,149 |
| 202103 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 172,162 | 99,515 |
| 202104 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 167,566 | 97,908 |
| 202105 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 165,678 | 98,339 |
| 202106 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 175,639 | 101,564 |
| 202107 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 172,545 | 99,576 |
| 202108 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 159,098 | 93,531 |
| 202109 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 177,398 | 103,557 |
| 202110 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 174,724 | 101,780 |
| 202111 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 184,605 | 106,468 |
| 202112 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 189,139 | 107,414 |
| 202201 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 187,135 | 109,670 |
| 202202 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 174,616 | 104,764 |
| 202203 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 203,934 | 117,304 |
| 202204 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 192,445 | 110,575 |
| 202205 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 205,214 | 118,045 |
| 202206 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 206,625 | 118,254 |
| 202207 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 201,585 | 115,491 |
| 202208 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 193,316 | 111,188 |
| 202209 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 212,526 | 122,840 |
| 202210 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 211,063 | 122,905 |
| 202211 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 220,964 | 127,674 |
| 202212 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 213,550 | 124,053 |
| 202301 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 220,881 | 127,953 |
| 202302 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 215,430 | 126,879 |
| 202303 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 250,488 | 141,959 |
| 202304 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 220,216 | 131,324 |
| 202305 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 243,218 | 142,325 |
| 202306 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 247,935 | 144,788 |
| 202307 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 242,002 | 141,916 |
| 202308 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 233,308 | 137,640 |
| 202309 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 241,083 | 142,482 |
| 202310 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 243,237 | 138,511 |
| 202311 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 245,991 | 142,198 |
| 202312 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 238,702 | 139,376 |
| 202401 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 258,730 | 152,458 |
| 202402 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 241,655 | 145,979 |
| 202403 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 258,656 | 154,499 |
| 202404 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 262,827 | 157,136 |
| 202405 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 273,520 | 161,491 |
| 202406 | CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | 259,034 | 156,072 |
In the 12 months to June, identified patients who received prescribing for CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD increased by 15% compared to the previous 12 months.
In the 12 months to June, CNS stimulants and drugs for ADHD items increased by 13% compared to the previous 12 months.
3. Sections in this release
- Medicines used in Mental Health summary
- BNF Section 4.3 - Antidepressant drugs
- BNF Section 4.1 - Hypnotics and anxiolytics
- BNF Section 4.2 - Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders
- BNF Section 4.11 - Drugs for dementia
- Prescribing during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Medicines used in Mental Health background