Managing the UK's ADHD medication supply crisis with accessible technology support

Recent statistics from the NHS have highlighted an increase in prescribed medicine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) over the past year, with a rise of 27.7% in adults compared to the previous year. This follows a continued trend of reports from the NHS Business Services Authority, which had reported a steady rise in ADHD medicine drug prescriptions – alongside antidepressant and dementia drug prescriptions – since 2015/2016, when the report on mental health drugs was first compiled.

The figures show that ADHD medicine prescriptions have seen the steepest rise, particularly since 2020/21. Last year, 278,000 patients were prescribed, up significantly from 80,800 in 2015/16. This increase in patient prescription demands has been met with warnings from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), which has reported mass manufacturing issues behind the ongoing shortages of ADHD drugs lasting for months with no clear end in sight.

With many diagnosed with ADHD reporting medication to be out of stock, supply lines currently can’t match this rising demand, leading many left in the lurch and forced to go without the necessary medical assistance. Whilst the issue of drug shortages becoming a new normal needs addressing in the long term, it is also clear that interim support for ADHD patients must be provided to safeguard them in this demanding period.

Accessible, proven strategic support to address routine behaviours

Supporting those diagnosed with ADHD, who are unable to access medication for treatment, is a crucial responsibility for both the NHS and mental health therapists. ADHD management programmes and strategies have been proven to help individuals by bringing a sense of structure and routine to potentially scattered minds and help by giving access to support currently missing in the UK.

Whilst these strategies are not a complete replacement for medication, it is a great first step for those lacking medical support and a great additional support method for those with regular prescriptions. A tailored ADHD management programme can provide the support needed on a case-by-case basis, ideally supplemented with accessible therapy to help keep patients on track.

These strategies are taught in ADHD cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) programmes and are already approved by private healthcare systems worldwide, such as in the Netherlands and the US. These methods focus on task management, energy management, psychoeducation, and controlling impulses – not just talking about issues, but more action and goal-orientated therapy. CBT programmes are proven methods for supporting ADHD symptoms, but lack proliferation across the wider UK healthcare system. It’s time to teach these strategies nationwide, as they can be practised pre- or post-diagnosis and while taking or waiting for assistive medication.

The business incentive to address ADHD

Companies are seeing burnout as a big problem, with more recognising ADHD as a significant contributor. However, ADHD is widely accepted in the corporate world due to the genius work they have seen with neurodiverse employees. ADHD brains are some of the most economically valuable, found in many data scientists, engineers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and more. However, unmanaged ADHD can quickly spill over into trouble. There’s a high correlation between talented brains, hyperfocus, and burnout.

Companies are spending more than £230 billion a year on burnout support related to ADHD and mental health. Long-term sickness is a substantial cost to companies and the lives of their employees, but it could easily be prevented. In-company education to raise awareness of ADHD is highly important, giving people the tools to prevent burnout and maintain high productivity because ADHD support is essential for productivity, as well as for health.

Providing interim support in times of “going cold turkey”

A firm and supportive source of structure can work wonders in helping those struggling to manage ADHD, both in mild and severe cases, especially patients who may suddenly lose access to medication entirely, going “cold turkey” for months without warning. With medicine manufacturing supply lines strained more than ever, people need to realise that medication is not the only be-all-end-all solution. Understanding that the condition is treatable with the right kind of informed support is critical. Still, there is currently a lack of access to the information needed to make these informed decisions about managing ADHD in the UK.

Even when it’s available, ADHD help is often not ADHD-friendly, so providing accessible frameworks for ADHD management backed by comprehensive research can lower the number of obstacles ADHD patients may feel concerning currently maintaining their mental health. Many in the UK are feeling let down by the lack of services with traditional healthcare already, regardless of the current strain on prescription resources.

However, with technology now able to cost-effectively provide access to management and support tools, options exist to better manage neurodiversity – so long as people know where to look for them.