Manchester, England – A widespread shortage of medication essential for treating ADHD has left thousands of individuals in distress, among them Jass Thethi from Levenshulme, Greater Manchester. After experiencing life-changing benefits from her ADHD medication, Jass faced the devastating reality of being without it for over six months due to the UK-wide shortage that started in September.
The shortage, affecting over 150,000 people reliant on ADHD medication, has had severe consequences for patients, as highlighted by Jass, who was forced to quit her job after the shortage left her struggling to cope with everyday life. According to ADHD UK, only 11% of individuals had their normal prescription available in January, a significant decline from 52% in September.
Dr. Morgan Toerien, an associate specialist in mental health, emphasized the crucial role medication plays in regulating brain function for individuals with ADHD. Proper medication can have a profound impact on patients, allowing them to engage and disengage their nervous system effectively. Without access to medication, patients like Jass find themselves struggling with debilitating symptoms, exacerbating conditions like fibromyalgia.
The impact of the medication shortage extends beyond personal struggles, as evidenced by survey results from ADHD UK indicating that 87% of members experienced negative impacts on their work, and 84% of full-time students reported a decline in their learning capabilities. Warrington MP Charlotte Nichols has raised concerns about the issue at the highest levels, urging for more support to alleviate the disruption caused by the shortage.
In response to the crisis, the Department of Health and Social Care has taken steps to improve the supply of ADHD medications, acknowledging the challenges faced by patients and families. Collaboration with healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders is ongoing to address the issues in the supply chain promptly. Patients are encouraged to consult their clinicians if they have concerns about their medication.