ADHD medicines update

There are continuing challenges nationally and globally with the supply of some Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications. This is causing some patients problems when accessing their regular treatment.

Locally and nationally, the NHS and its partners are making every effort to manage this shortage. The national availability of some of these medicines has improved in recent weeks but remains intermittent.

We know that this is very distressing for some patients and their families.  This issue is being caused by a combination of manufacturing problems and a significant increase in demand across the world, not just in the UK, which is beyond our control. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work with you to try to find the best solution, which will be different for everyone.

We are extremely grateful to everyone working in primary care and in local ADHD services for the help they continue to provide for patients and their families, particularly those requiring alternative treatments and additional support and advice.

ADHD patients and carers should continue to contact the NHS health care service they normally use if they require further support. Additional resources have been made available through a number of local NHS services to meet the increase in additional requests for information and support from both service users and carers and other partners and professionals.

Healthcare professionals should continue to make ADHD patient referrals and request assistance in the usual way.