Trends in Prescription Stimulant Use for ADHD Among U.S. Teens from 2005 to 2023

Recent research indicates that among U.S. adolescents, the medical use of prescription stimulants for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has seen notable changes from 2005 to 2023. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the percentage of teens using these medications for medical reasons peaked in 2022 at approximately 9.3%. The trend suggests a gradual increase in medical use, while nonmedical use — that is, use without a prescription — has decreased significantly over the same period, reaching a low of about 4.7% in 2023.

The study analyzed data from over 259,000 students across different grade levels, revealing that 14.5% of current users had been on stimulants for less than a year, 18.6% for one to two years, and the majority—66.9%—for three years or more. Interestingly, the prevalence of nonmedical use was higher among 10th and 12th graders, but overall, both medical and nonmedical use declined over time.

Despite concerns about increased prescriptions, the findings suggest that rising medical use of stimulants for ADHD has not led to an increase in nonmedical use among teens. Researchers emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring to ensure the responsible prescribing and use of these medications.

The authors note that continued surveillance is vital for understanding long-term trends and for developing strategies to prevent misuse while providing effective treatment for ADHD. This study underscores the dynamic landscape of stimulant use among adolescents and highlights the importance of balanced medical oversight.

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