Sharp rise in ADHD meds among girls post-COVID

A Danish study involving researchers from the University of Southern Denmark has revealed a significant increase in ADHD medication use among girls and young women following the coronavirus pandemic. Comparing pre- and post-pandemic use of medications for ADHD, depression, and sleep problems, the study found the most notable rise in young females, with a 122 percent increase since 2019 for girls and women up to 24 years old, compared to a 43 percent increase for males. Overall, more men still use ADHD medication than women. The study didn’t determine the exact reasons for the increase, but Mette Bliddal, one of the researchers, highlighted that the figures indicate a considerable need for medication among girls. Professor Søren Dalsgaard suggests a possible explanation: increased diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in girls, which historically lagged, particularly as the condition is present from childhood and diagnosis requires symptoms before age seven.