Jass Thethi, a 34-year-old from Levenshulme, Greater Manchester, had her life transformed after being diagnosed with ADHD just over a year ago. However, her joy was short-lived as she, along with more than 150,000 others in the UK relying on medication for ADHD, has been affected by a nationwide shortage since September.
ADHD UK reported a significant decline in the availability of medicines, with only 11% of patients receiving their normal prescription in January, down from 52% in September. The Department of Health and Social Care attributed the shortages to increased global demand and manufacturing issues.
Without her medication for six months, Jass has experienced worsened symptoms of her fibromyalgia. Dr. Morgan Toerien explained that abrupt discontinuation of ADHD medication can destabilize patients’ lives and emphasized the profound impact proper medication can have on individuals with ADHD.
Jass described her medication as making her feel “free” and “independent,” likening ADHD to having multiple radio channels playing in the brain simultaneously. She expressed confusion at how others could function normally without these struggles.
With about 150,000 people experiencing medication issues, ADHD UK’s survey results showed negative impacts on work and learning. Warrington MP Charlotte Nichols raised concerns about the shortage in Parliament, prompting the Department of Health and Social Care to take swift action to address the situation.
Patients affected by the shortage are advised to speak to their clinician if worried about their condition. The government is working with healthcare professionals and industry partners to resolve the issues with ADHD medication as soon as possible.