Thousands of children affected by ADHD medication shortage
Thousands of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are having to go without medication as a result of shortages, with some missing school as a result.
There has been a national shortage of ADHD medications for more than a year, with the worst affected drug currently methylphenidate, which is commonly used for children and sold under the brand names Concerta and Ritalin.
Two thirds of parents said they faced problems getting their child’s medication at the beginning of this school year, according to a survey by the charity ADHD UK, with some saying their children are unable to concentrate in lessons or having to take days off.
Campaigners and pharmacists have urged the Department of Health and NHS to loosen bureaucracy that means patients cannot switch to alternative drugs that are in stock.
Henry Shelford, chief executive of ADHD UK, said: “We were under the impression it would be solved by now but it’s absolutely not. There are huge challenges across the country. The problem in the UK is much worse than almost anywhere else in the world.
“It is absolutely destroying lives. It is devastating for children. Removing medication from a child with ADHD is akin to removing a wheelchair from a disabled person. They can’t live their normal lives.
“I know people whose entire careers are being unravelled because of problems with their medication. For many people medication is life-changing, and so to have it removed is equally life-changing.”
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Source: The Times, 24 November 2024
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