ADHD increase

THE number of people using ADHD drugs in Britain has soared by 50% in the last six years.

NHS prescriptions for the drugs, including Ritalin, rose from 420,000 in 2007 to 657,000 last year (PICMODELLED)

NHS prescriptions for the drugs, including Ritalin, rose from 420,000 in 2007 to 657,000 last year, the Care Quality Commission said.

The watchdog warned health workers to monitor their use as they have the potential to be “abused”.

The drugs are linked to the so-called “smart-drug” craze, where students take medication to help them focus.