A national shortage of medication for ADHD patients in the UK has left many struggling to access the drugs. Compounding the issue, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) has blamed “increased global demand and manufacturing issues” for the lack of supply. The development comes amid a heightened awareness of the condition and a surge in demand for diagnosis and treatments to manage symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsive behaviour, and trouble concentrating or focusing.
BBC Newsbeat reported that many patients have said they are rationing or rationed medication, despite doctors advising against it. One patient, Tom, said that he received an email from his pharmacy saying there were manufacturing issues and that he does not know when he will receive his next prescription. He added that the situation has made it challenging for him to concentrate and maintain routines.
The charity ADHD UK estimates that data from the Lancet and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) indicates around 1.9 million adults, roughly 3 to 4% of the UK population, have the condition. Another ADHD patient, Ellie from Manchester, said she has decided not to take her medication every day due to the shortage, adding that such decisions are not advised by doctors. She expressed concern about how much medication she would need over the long term.
Emily, a 22-year-old from Hertfordshire, said she had received insufficient notification of the shortage. “The thought of going back to how my life was before medication is quite overwhelming and scary,” she said. Even though the shortage is worrying, consultant psychiatrist Dr Saadia Arshad advised patients not to take their own measures. She said different individuals would respond to medication in diverse fashions and taking action without consulting medical professionals could be harmful. Exercise and support from friends and family can be beneficial as an alternative coping mechanism, according to ADHD coach Leanne Maskell
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More