A recent study revealed that slightly over a quarter of individuals prescribed ADHD medications admitted to misusing them, with approximately 9% experiencing prescription stimulant use disorder or addiction. Particularly noteworthy is the uptick in prescriptions for ADHD medications, primarily seen among middle-aged and older women, who are the least likely to misuse these stimulants. For instance, the number of women aged 35 to 64 prescribed stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin increased significantly by the end of 2022 compared to 2019.
This surge in ADHD medication prescriptions coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic and the popularity of telehealth services. Researchers from the National Institute on Drug Abuse conducted an analysis using data from over 83,000 adults aged 18 to 64 who participated in the 2021-2022 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health. Their findings indicated that misuse of prescription stimulants among women in the 35 to 64 age group was notably lower than that among men in the same age bracket. Additionally, middle-aged women were found to misuse their medications less frequently compared to younger women.
Three types of stimulants are approved for ADHD treatment: amphetamine (e.g., Dexedrine, Adderall), methamphetamine (e.g., Desoxyn), and methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin). The study also showed that individuals prescribed amphetamines or methamphetamines were more likely to misuse these drugs than those prescribed methylphenidate.
While the significant rise in ADHD prescriptions among older women remains somewhat unexplained, experts speculate that it could stem from improved awareness and recognition of ADHD symptoms in females. Girls with ADHD may go undiagnosed due to their symptoms being less overt than those observed in boys. Consequently, women may only realize they have ADHD later in life, leading to delayed treatment and potential struggles with feelings of failure and depression.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the spike in ADHD prescriptions among middle-aged women, the findings underscore the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for ADHD, especially in females who may have been overlooked in the past.
According to Mariely Hernandez, a clinical psychologist specializing in addiction and ADHD at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, women with ADHD are less inclined to misuse stimulants prescribed to them as it helps make their daily lives easier. Instead of seeking a high, these women feel a sense of normalcy when taking the medication. Hernandez notes that women with ADHD may initially cope with their symptoms, but may struggle more as life becomes more demanding, especially when raising children. The cognitive strain of managing a family can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, particularly when children are young. Hormonal changes, such as low estrogen levels during menopause, can also impact symptom severity by causing a dopamine deficit. This deficiency in dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for our reward system, can lead to difficulties in focusing and functioning. Women experiencing these challenges may seek evaluation and treatment to improve their quality of life.
