Prescriptions for ADHD medications jumped by more than 1 million during the pandemic, study finds

• During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in prescriptions for ADHD medications, including stimulants, with a 14% spike in new stimulant prescriptions.
• This increase was most pronounced among young adults and women.
• New prescriptions for other ADHD medications also saw a substantial rise of 32% during the pandemic period.
• Prescriptions for other behavioral health medications, such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines, did not experience significant changes.
• The shortage of Adderall, a commonly prescribed ADHD stimulant, was attributed to increased demand and manufacturing delays, which federal agencies sought to address.