In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, prescriptions for stimulant drugs primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increased by 10% among older children and adults, U.S. Disease Control New data, new data from the Prevention Centers (CDC).
CDC researchers note a significant increase in the percentage of adults taking prescription stimulants during the pandemic, highlighting the need for clinical practice guidelines for ADHD in adults .
“Well-established professional guidelines exist for diagnostic procedures and treatment algorithms for children and adolescents with ADHD. However, similar diagnostic and treatment guidelines for ADHD in adults are not available in the United States. This gap in guidance for ADHD care in the Public Health Concern,” writes Melissa Danielson, MSPH, and colleagues.
research is publish online CDC on March 31 Weekly reports of morbidity and mortality (MMWR).
pandemic fallout
Researchers used MarketScan commercial claims data to measure prescription stimulant trends before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2016-2021).
Overall, the percentage of people filling stimulant prescriptions increased from 3.6% in 2016 to 4.1% in 2021.
During the pre-pandemic period (2016-2020), the proportion of women under the age of 24 has stabilized or declined slightly (annual mean proportion change [APC] range –1.8% to 0.1%), with a slight increase in the 25- to 64-year age group (mean APC range 2.3% to 6.6%).
However, in the first year of the pandemic (2020 to 2021), the proportion of women with at least one stimulant prescription increased significantly across most age groups, with 15-44 and 50- The greatest increase was seen at age 54. (APC range 14.3% to 19.2%).
Pre-pandemic patterns in men were similar to those in women of the same age. The proportion of men prescribed stimulants decreased slightly (mean APC range -3.8% to -1.7%) in those aged 24 and younger, and remained stable or increased slightly in those aged 25 and older (mean APC range 0 % to 6.5%). ).
In the first year of the pandemic, the proportion of men receiving prescription drugs decreased among those aged 19 years and younger, but increased significantly among those aged 25–44 and 50–54 years (APC range 11.1% to 14.7%). ).
Consistently throughout the study period, most of those prescribed stimulants encountered medical attention with an ADHD diagnostic code, received an average of 7 or more prescriptions per year, and most received ongoing care for ADHD. Researchers point out that it suggests that
They concluded that the development of clinical recommendations for diagnosing and managing ADHD in adults is similar to that for children, stating that “clinicians provide best-practice care for ADHD in adults and patients achieve better outcomes.” It may help to support
The CDC report Related commentary in the Journal of Attention Disorders
Adult ADHD underestimation
The commentary authors noted that the observed trends were “relative to a gradual approach (i.e., education of patients and providers about adult ADHD, increased access to ADHD care, narrowing gaps in access to health care). Sudden phenomena (i.e. emotionally overwhelmed patients seeking treatment in a cognitive/pandemic, recent online neurodiversity movement creating viral and relevant content about ADHD, stimulants online Prescribing Digital Startup, Long-Lasting COVID Symptoms),” writes Dr. Margaret Sibley of the University of Washington School of Medicine. , Seattle, and co-authors.
“Regardless of cause, the CDC MMWR report highlights that ADHD has emerged as an adult psychiatric condition that permeates routine clinical practice. It has to take center stage,” they add.
However, despite its prevalence, “clinicians rarely receive relevant professional training and may be misunderstood or even unaware of ADHD in adults.” Editor points out.
“Experts believe that ADHD is typically chronic and persists into adulthood, but is often associated with sequelae (addiction, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, etc.) or non-traditional symptoms (women, minorities, the elderly). etc.) is often overshadowed by “those people write.
“Quality provider education is particularly needed as new categories of professionals join the workforce to absorb the growing demand for adult ADHD treatment,” they add.
There was no commercial funding for this study. The study authors declare there are no relevant financial relationships. Sibley and other editors report a variety of industry ties. The full list is Original work.
MMWR Morb Mortal Weekly Rep. Published online on March 31, 2023. full text
J. Atten Disord. Published online on March 22, 2023. full text
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