The number of millennial and Gen Z adults taking medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder soared during the pandemic, according to new research. A study published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assessed stimulant prescription trends over five years among adults and children who get health insurance through an employer.
It found that the percentage of American adults and children who filled at least one prescription for stimulants rose to 4.1% in 2021, up from 3.6% in 2016. Among certain demographics, the increase is even more pronounced: The percentage of women ages 15 to 44 and men ages 25 to 44 who filled a stimulant prescription jumped 10% over those five years. “The current study adds to evidence that the increasing trend in the percentage of adults receiving prescriptions for stimulants has continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a notable upturn during 2020-2021,” the authors wrote. “The pandemic has had negative impacts on mental health, which might have led to or exacerbated ADHD symptoms.” A growing body of research shows a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking prescriptions for ADHD medications during the pandemic. That demand was likely driven by the disruption in work and school schedules as well as by growing awareness about the condition on social media platforms like TikTok. It has since resulted in shortages of …