Prescription rates for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication among adults aged 16 and older in Ireland surged by 211 per cent over the decade leading to 2024, according to a report published in the Irish Medical Journal. The study examined stimulant ADHD medications dispensed under community drug schemes between 2015 and 2024, tracking a significant rise in patient numbers and dosage volumes across multiple age groups.
Decade-Long Rise in Adult ADHD Medication Dispensings
ADHD is a common condition affecting brain development, making it difficult to focus, control impulses, and manage excess energy. Under equality and discrimination laws in the Republic, the condition is classified as a disability when symptoms have a substantial, negative impact on daily life.
To track treatment trends, researchers analyzed dispensing data obtained from the Irish Primary Care Reimbursement Service. This dataset covered prescriptions reimbursed through the General Medical Services scheme and the Drug Payment scheme. The study focused on recommended first-line agents, specifically methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
Between 2015 and 2024, recorded dosage units for both medications increased by 211 per cent, moving from 700,574 to 2.2 million units. Units of lisdexamfetamine alone climbed by 504 per cent—from 59,088 to 356,641—between 2020 and 2023. Total patient numbers over the broader study window grew from 3,377 to 13,966.
Age Demographics and Regional Prescription Variations
Adults aged 16 to 34 experienced the largest growth and remained the most prevalent patient population throughout the study. This younger adult group expanded from 2,708 to 7,930 patients. Individuals aged 35 to 54 followed, with patient counts rising from 332 to 2,232.
People aged 55 and older represented the smallest patient demographic, though dispensings in this cohort still climbed steadily from 216 to 403. By 2024, prescription rates among women approached parity with those observed in men.
Geographic disparities were also apparent. The report’s authors noted that regional patient variation was “evident,” with the largest increases concentrated in North Cork, Waterford, and Cork-South Lee. According to the study’s authors, “Regional variation could suggest differing levels of access to diagnostic services, specialist pathways, and trained clinicians.”
Study Limitations and Recommendations for Future Care
The research methodology carried specific boundaries. Private prescriptions were excluded from the analysis, a factor the authors warned may have led to an “underestimation” of total usage, particularly among individuals who fall outside public reimbursement schemes.
The authors acknowledged that the monitored medications can occasionally treat other conditions, such as narcolepsy, though ADHD remains their primary indication. Given the sharp upward trajectory in patient numbers and volume, the report concluded that the findings “could underscore the need for expanded assessment pathways, multidisciplinary follow-up, and structured medicines management.”
The researchers recommended continued monitoring of prescription patterns to support national treatment planning and ensure adequate clinical infrastructure for the growing adult population seeking diagnosis and care.
Irish Medical Journal study analyzes ADHD medication dispensing volumes
Which ADHD medications were included in the Irish Medical Journal study?
The study analyzed dispensing volumes and patient numbers for recommended first-line agents methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.
What data sources did the researchers use?
Dispensing data came from the Irish Primary Care Reimbursement Service, capturing prescriptions reimbursed via the General Medical Services scheme and the Drug Payment scheme between 2015 and 2024.
Which age group experienced the largest increase in prescriptions?
Adults aged 16 to 34 years experienced the largest absolute growth in patient numbers, rising from 2,708 to 7,930.