Medical Exemptions for ADHD Decrease in MLB
New data reveals a notable decrease in the number of Major League players authorized to use medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to the annual report by Thomas M. Martin, independent administrator of the MLB’s drug testing program and the players’ association, only 54 players were given permission to use ADHD medications. This figure represents a significant reduction compared to the 61 of the previous year and the 119 of 2013. The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse. Regarding drug tests, 11,700 tests were conducted in the year ending with the 2025 World Series, slightly below the record of 11,783 from the previous year. This total included 9,400 urine samples and 2,300 blood samples to detect human growth hormone.Only two tests came back positive and led to sanctions for players on 40-man rosters.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar was suspended for 80 games on March 31st for a positive test for Gonadotropin Coriónica, a hormone that aids in testosterone production. Philadelphia Phillies closer José Alvarado was suspended for 80 games on May 18 for a positive test for exogenous testosterone. Profar stated that he did not knowingly consume the prohibited substance. Phillies’ president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, stated that Alvarado’s positive test was caused by a weight loss medication that the pitcher took during the offseason. In addition to the 54 Therapeutic Use Exemptions for ADHD, there was one for hypertension, one for sleep disorders, and one for hormonal function.
