Current medical use of Rx stimulants for ADHD up in teens from 2005 to 2023

Among U.S. adolescents, current medical use of prescription stimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increased between 2005 and 2023, while nonmedical use decreased, according to a research letter published online July 29 in the JAMA.

Sean Esteban McCabe, Ph.D., from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and colleagues examined trends in medical and nonmedical prescription stimulant use patterns for ADHD among U.S. adolescents. The analysis included data from 259,623 students (eighth, 10th, and 12th grades) participating in the Monitoring the Future study (2005 to 2023).

The researchers found that lifetime medical use of prescription stimulants for ADHD peaked in 2022 at 9.30%. There was a linear, nonsignificant trend. The lowest point for lifetime nonmedical use was 4.69% in 2023, with a significant decrease over time (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] linear trend, 0.971). For current medical use of prescription stimulants, the peak was in 2022 at 4.46%, with modest increases over time (aOR linear trend, 1.016).

Among participants with current medical use, 14.5% had used prescription stimulants for less than one year, 18.6% for one to two years, and 66.9% for three years or longer. Over time, current medical and nonmedical co-use decreased (aOR linear trend, 0.980). Participants in 10th and 12th grade had a greater prevalence of nonmedical use of prescription stimulants but also experienced greater declines in nonmedical use over time.

“Despite concerns about increased stimulant prescribing, findings indicate no associated increase in nonmedical prescription stimulant use at this time, although longitudinal research and continued monitoring is necessary,” the authors write.

One author disclosed ties to relevant organizations.

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