Use of drugs for ADHD among adults—a multinational study among 15.8 million adults in the Nordic countries

• DOI: 10.1007/s00228-016-2125-y
• Publication Date: 2016-09-02T17:38:46Z
• Authors: Øystein Karlstad; Helga Zoëga; Kari Furu; Shahram Bahmanyar; Jaana E Martikainen; Helle Kieler; Anton Pottegård
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Dextroamphetamine; Adolescent; Databases, Factual; Pharmacoepidemiology and Prescription; Scandinavian and Nordic Countries; Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Pharmacology (medical); Pharmacology; Psychotropic Drugs; Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors; Middle Aged; Drug Utilization; 3. Good health; Amphetamine; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Methylphenidate; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Female

The use of ADHD drugs among adults is controversial and has until recently not been approved for in most countries. aim was to investigate (stimulants atomoxetine) the entire adult population Nordic countries.We conducted a multinational population-based prescription register study based on five countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway Sweden). All users aged 18-64 years during 2008-2012 were included, which 2012 comprised 76,896 drug 15.8 million inhabitants.Annual prevalence increased period both genders all age groups. overall from 2.4 5.3 per 1000 men 1.8 4.4 women. Incidence also increased, but lesser extent last part period. Methylphenidate used by 88 % users. Treatment discontinued within first year 21 new Among drugs, 53 64 women concurrently other psychotropic frequently antidepressants hypnotics. Psychotropic co-medication with more pronounced than men.Use doubled over 5-year period, majority treated psychotropics. Adults constitute substantial proportion persons drugs. Thus, evidence long-term efficacy safety urgently needed.