Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Medication Use on the Rise

Strategic Insights -

A recent study by researchers from Harvard Medical School found that attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis rates and stimulant use have increased significantly among adults in the United States. The study analyzed data from 2019 to 2023 and found that total ADHD medication fills increased by 23.8%, from 72,849,441 in 2019 to 90,183,437 in 2023. While stimulants continued to account for most ADHD medication fills, the number of nonstimulant fills increased at a rate three times that of stimulants.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of ADHD medication fills increased by 23.8% from 2019 to 2023, with a total of 90,183,437 fills in 2023.
  • Stimulants accounted for 91.4% of ADHD medication fills in 2019 and 88.9% in 2023.
  • Nonstimulant fills increased at a rate three times that of stimulants, from 3.2% in 2019 to 9.3% in 2023.
  • The number of stimulant fills rose 20.4% from 2019 to 2023, while nonstimulant fills increased 60.1% during the same period.
  • Nurse practitioners and physician assistants were responsible for one in three ADHD prescription fills in 2023.
  • Nonstimulants were prescribed most commonly by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and psychiatrists.

Statistics:

  • Total ADHD medication fills increased from 72,849,441 in 2019 to 90,183,437 in 2023.
  • Stimulant fills accounted for 91.4% of all ADHD medication fills in 2019 and 88.9% in 2023.
  • Nonstimulant fills increased from 3,258,329 (3.2% of total fills) in 2019 to 10,343,642 (9.3% of total fills) in 2023.
  • Stimulant fills increased from 67,306,408 in 2019 to 80,061,363 in 2023, a 20.4% rise.
  • Nonstimulant fills increased from 3,232,601 in 2019 to 6,999,335 in 2023, a 60.1% increase.
  • Nurse practitioners and physician assistants accounted for 32.5% of all ADHD prescription fills in 2023.

Sources:

  • Huskamp, H. A., et al. (2025). Recent Trends In Medication Treatment for Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Psychiatric Services, 76(9), 782-787.
  • NewsRx. Studies from Harvard Medical School Add New Findings in the Area of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (Recent Trends In Medication Treatment for Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Mental Health Weekly Digest, October 27, 2025; p 769.