Demand for ADHD medication has hit record levels, a consultant psychiatrist has said. 

In the last five-years alone, the number of people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder prescriptions has increased by 87%. 

The condition is a neurological disorder that means two of the brain’s neurotransmitter chemicals, noradrenaline and dopamine, do not work as they do in most people. 

The HSE estimates that between 1 and 5% of children have the condition and, if undiagnosed, it can have a serious impact on their ability to learn and behave. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Dr Patricia Byrne said there is now a “huge level of interest” among both children and adults in getting prescriptions for ADHD. 

“There’s a number of factors impacting that,” she said. 

“But certainly, the demand has been higher than it has ever been before. 

“Both among young people and amongst an older generations of adults and young adults up to the age of 25.” 

Dr Byrne said for a person to be diagnosed with ADHD, it should be causing them “significant difficulties”. 

“It affects the core areas of focus, being more impulsive in your nature and hyperactivity,” she said. 

“So, in a younger age, having a lot more energy. 

“But we know over time is this doesn’t stop when you’re 16 or 18. 

“However, the presentation may change; hyperactivity features may not be so obvious and may be more inward.” 

Who?

Dr Byrne also noted that the condition is “very inheritable”, which means that if a parent has it, there is a higher chance their child will too. 

“The biggest risk factor for having ADHD is having somebody in your family with ADHD,” she said.  

ADHD medication. Picture by: Alamy.com. 

Dr Byrne said there are a number of factors behind the increase in people being given ADHD prescriptions. 

“First of all, there was no service for adults with ADHD and this is being addressed by the HSE,” she said. 

“There is an old phrase called, ‘Build a service and they will come.’ 

“So, many young people were reaching the age of 18 and then they had no options for treatment. 

“GPs weren’t comfortable prescribing the medication for ADHD - which are very serious medications and need to be monitored very closely. 

“So, many young people weren’t having an opportunity to continue on.” 

Dr Byrne added that the increase in the amount of time people spend in education means more young people ask for the medication to help them as they pursue their studies.

Main image: A woman getting a prescription in a pharmacy. Picture by: Alamy.com