ADHD medication shortage – advice and signposting

Sussex Health & Care: "Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be challenging, and it is recognised that medication can often form a vital lifeline for patients and their families. We appreciate that this is a trying and a stressful time for those affected by the medication shortages."

In the meantime, there are some alternative sources of support you can access:

• Behavioural support can be accessed via organisations such as the ADHD foundation. They have a wide range of videos, podcasts and downloads to help with concerns such as sleep support, preparing for exams, impulse control and risk management, supporting social skills and relationships, and staying calm and positive.
• There is a plethora of apps to help people with ADHD. Time management is a perennial issue and there are apps that help to organise time, block distractions for a period, track how much time is being spent on activity, and assist in managing procrastination. There is a good overview of the available apps on the ADDitude site and also a good round up from Devon NHS Trust.
• Sleep disturbance is an incredibly common issue in ADHD and the ADDISS website has a useful download for parents who are struggling to manage their child’s ADHD sleep and the ADHD foundation has a page of different resources on sleep.
• Exercise is well recognised for its mental health benefits and in ADHD can help to improve attention, impulsivity and executive functioning. People with ADHD tend to experience hypoactivity in dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems in the pre-frontal cortex, and one of the benefits of exercise is to increase productivity of neurotransmitters.