Switzerland: increase in ritaline consumption in adults

Disorders of the deficit in attention with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) were long considered to be mainly affecting children. More and more adults are diagnosed and Switzerland is no exception to this phenomenon. Consequence: Ritalin prescriptions for adults also take the elevator.

Over the past ten years, they have multiplied on average by 2.5 throughout the country, the Aargauer Zeitung reports on Wednesday. In 2015, there were 2.3 daily doses for 1000 adults. This figure increased to 5.8 in 2023. The cantonal differences are striking: according to the Swiss Health Observatory (Obsan), Basel-Ville comes first with 9.1 daily doses for 1000 adults, seven times more than Ticino, which arrives in last position with 1.3 doses.

In French -speaking Switzerland, Geneva leads (6.3 doses per 1000 adults) and Valais closes the march (2.2 doses). Neuchâtel (5.4) The Jura (4.1) arrive in front of Vaud (3.8) and Friborg (3.7). The question that arises in some specialists is whether these figures show that some cantons do not take the treatment of ADHD or if they are the others that are too easily prescribed, we read in the German newspaper.

A cultural difference between North and South seems to be taking shape throughout Europe and is also reflected in Switzerland, notes the Ticino cantonal doctor. On the other hand, the competent authorities all believe that practices in their region are “normal”. A psychologist raises another factor: ADHD in adults would be less taboo in urban areas. In cities, loneliness and performance pressures are more present risks and cause more mental illnesses. Epidemiological studies show that mental illnesses are more frequent in cities like Geneva or Basel, and ADHD is no exception.