More adults are taking medication for ADHD. Physicians say trend is a double-edged sword
CBC
For decades, David Martin struggled with time management and procrastination, but he wasn't sure why.
In university, he noticed his grades were better during shorter semester-long courses rather than year-long classes. And by his 40s, he even let his household bills pile up for months — not because he couldn't afford them, but because he simply didn't pay them on time.
Then close to a decade ago, when he was 46-years-old, the Toronto resident was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, and started taking medication that he now says changed his life.
Soon, Martin, who is now 57, began keeping track of bills, remembering important dates, and was able to finally manage his time.
"Different aspects of my life changed," he said. "Because I wasn't procrastinating."
ADHD is often identified in someone's childhood — when parents or teachers notice issues such as inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsive behaviour — but Canadian physicians and mental health professionals say more and more adults are now being diagnosed as well, sometimes as late as their 40s, 50s, and beyond.
New data provided to CBC News out of British Columbia suggests the rate of ADHD medication usage among adults has also gone up dramatically.
The figures show total ADHD medication use among B.C. adults has increased by an annual compounded rate of 17 per cent since 2004, from one user per 1,000 adults to 16.5 users per 1000 adults by 2022.
Obtained from the B.C. Ministry of Health, the data were released on Tuesday by the University of British Columbia's Therapeutics Initiative, an organization which provides Canadian physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and other health professionals with independent, evidence-based information on healthcare interventions.
Medical experts who spoke to CBC News say the trend countrywide is likely similar, and one that could be improving the lives of many Canadians. Others, however, warn it's a double-edged sword.
ADHD is known as one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, impacting millions of people across North America. One 2022 review of Canadian research suggests roughly three per cent of adults may have ADHD, with a higher prevalence among children.
The condition is often treated through medication, therapy, behavioural changes, or a combination.
Megan Rafuse, a registered social worker, psychotherapist and CEO of online therapy practice Shift Collab, said she struggled to finish tasks, concentrate in class and finish projects during university. But she wasn't diagnosed with ADHD until she was in her early 20s.
Rafuse began taking medication as part of her treatment plan. She now credits it with helping her build habits that allowed her to pursue a career in psychotherapy.