Amid a nationwide scarcity of ADHD medication, there is growing concern about the potential increase in mental health problems. Jess Chandler, a 22-year-old from Bournemouth, became a voice for those affected when her TikTok posts about her diagnosis of ADHD and autism went viral. Diagnosed in 2020, Chandler experienced a transformative effect on her life after starting medication, which helped her manage her thoughts and recognize her body’s signals, such as hunger and thirst.

However, the current shortage has left her without medication for two months, and she’s not alone; Chandler reveals she’s been contacted by thousands with similar struggles. Terri, her mother, fears for her daughter’s well-being without the medication.

An estimated 150,000 individuals are affected by the shortage, according to the charity ADHD UK. Pharmacist Mitesh Patel, who operates pharmacies in Hampshire and Dorset, notes that healthcare providers are improvising to ensure patients receive some form of treatment, even if it means off-license prescribing.

Dr. Tim Cooper of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board advises patients to maintain communication with their healthcare providers to manage prescriptions proactively. The UK government has acknowledged the scarcity of crucial ADHD medications, including methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and guanfacine, and projects the possibility of this situation persisting until December.

The Department for Health and Social Care assures the public of its efforts to work with manufacturers to mitigate the shortage and maintain access to ADHD medicines. Chandler, reflecting on the gravity of the situation, emphasized the life-saving nature of ADHD medication and voiced her concerns over the mental health repercussions of the ongoing shortage.