The Rise of ADHD Medication in Young Women

Amber says finding out in her fifties is heartbreaking. Life is difficult, and she can't get back lost time.

Amber felt relief when she started treatment and can now achieve her goals.

Before treatment, life was hard for Amber. She had trouble fitting in and doing things right.

Celine Wanjiku sees signs of ADHD in her childhood now.

ADHD was 'pretty invisible' when Celine was a child.

Celine daydreamed in class and didn't finish assignments.

High school was harder for Celine.

Celine was told to try harder in school.

Getting diagnosed in her 20s changed Celine's life.

ADHD diagnoses in Australia have risen by almost 600% since 2017.

There's an unexpected story about women in this increase.

The chart shows a clear trend.

Men used to fill more ADHD prescriptions, but now women do.

Women now fill more ADHD prescriptions than men.

Data shows a strong effect of age on ADHD diagnosis.

Younger people are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.

The difference between men and women is more pronounced in some areas.

In 2020, men filled more ADHD prescriptions in most areas.

By 2024, women filled more prescriptions in most areas.

There are clear differences in ADHD prescription rates by age.

The graph shows a big change in ADHD prescriptions from 2020 to 2024.

Looking at the data gives an idea of the rise in ADHD diagnoses.

In some areas, 5% of women aged 20-44 filled ADHD prescriptions in 2024.

This rate is higher than the expected prevalence of ADHD.

The rate of women filling ADHD prescriptions rose in many areas.

In Brisbane, the rate rose from 1% to 4%.

In other areas, the rate also rose significantly.

Why is there a rise in ADHD diagnoses?

No one knows for sure why this is happening.

There's a similar pattern in other countries like Scandinavia and Canada.

Doctors used to think ADHD was more common in boys, but it's not.

ADHD diagnoses have exploded in Australia since 2017.

Social media has raised awareness of ADHD, especially among women.

In some areas, the rate of ADHD prescriptions is very high.

Some adults were diagnosed as children and still have symptoms.

There's speculation about how our lifestyle affects ADHD diagnoses.

Professor Nick Glozier talks about the social context of ADHD.

We live in a cognitively demanding world with many demands.

Women are often affected more by caring duties and work.

Our cognitive function declines from age 22, and women may be affected more.

Organisations make money by getting our attention, which can be demanding.

Michelle Leach thinks successful women are being diagnosed more often.

Who can diagnose ADHD and what to look out for.

Michelle was dismissed when she first sought a diagnosis.

A psychiatrist told Michelle she couldn't have ADHD because she was successful.

Michelle thinks there's a 'Capable Woman Blind Spot' in ADHD diagnosis.

Professor Mark Bellgrove talks about hormonal fluctuations in women.

Women are struggling with self-esteem and seeking diagnoses.

There are interactions between oestrogen and dopamine that affect symptoms.

Women report worse symptoms during certain times, like perimenopause.

We need more research on this topic.

Watch the investigation into Australia's ADHD boom.

Norman Swan was paid to speak at a conference sponsored by a medication manufacturer.

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