Is ADHD Really on the Rise?

Sometimes drug shortages are due to manufacturing problems or dwindling ingredients, other times they stem from increased demand.

When it comes to medication to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), demand has increased in concert with hikes in diagnoses – one British study reported a 20-fold increase in diagnoses since 2000 for just men alone. Women experienced a 15-fold increase.

What Michael Stevens, PhD, an ADHD neuroscientist at Hartford HealthCare’s Institute of Living, stresses is important to note, however, is that these numbers do not mean the condition is occurring more often, just that more people are seeking and receiving a diagnosis. Many of those also now take medication to control the condition.

Why does it seem more people have ADHD and other psychiatric conditions? Find out.