Pupils 'set up to fail' by ADHD medication shortage

Alice relied on her ADHD medication in the months before her exams

Some students starting new schools and colleges are being “set up to fail” due to an ongoing shortage of medication for ADHD, according to a charity chief.

There have been problems with the supply of proper medication because of manufacturing issues and an increase in demand, although the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) says recent supply issues with most ADHD medicines are resolved.

The shortage caused panic among a number of students who were forced to ration their tablets in the run up to this year’s exam season.

Henry Shelford, chief executive of ADHD UK, said: “It’s been an unmitigated disaster. And now there’s been a new alert issued about shortages of medication. These kids are being set up to fail."

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition that affects people’s behaviour - making it harder to concentrate and manage time. Acting impulsively and taking risks can also be an issue.

Alice, 16, from Surrey, previously said she was "terrified" of running out of medication during her exams as it would have left her unable to study.

Now, she is focusing on her first days at college, but does not want to be starting on new medication from a pharmacy.

"I could be getting a headache as a side effect, I could be feeling sick, I could be getting sleeplessness, or I could be really tired one day and that's all because I'm changing medication, which you're just not meant to do.

"But I have to do it to kind of keep up with the demand of my life, but also be able to sort out and prepare for sixth form."

Henry Shelford said alternative ADHD medication should be available to people unable to get their usual tablets

Mr Shelford said students facing ADHD medication shortages who are joining a new school or college should play to their strengths, while parents should help their child develop learning mechanisms.

He said: "Let's say [a student] couldn't get their glasses prescription, we would understand why they’re struggling.

"If their exact prescription wasn’t available, we would get them something broadly similar to get them through.

“But with ADHD medication, you’ve got to go to a specialist - and a wait time is often years, so you can’t get the alternative.”

Teacher Emma Barker said there had been an increase in suspensions and exclusions during the medication shortage

Emma Barker, a teacher in East Grinstead who was diagnosed with ADHD aged 52, said an increase in school suspensions and exclusions could be due to the medication supply issues.

She said: "I think [the shortage] has really affected students, particularly towards the end of last term.

"Anecdotally, the special educational needs teacher said that there were a lot of kids struggling last academic year."

The DHSC said: “We are working with manufacturers to ensure action is taken to resolve remaining supply problems with one specific medicine as quickly as possible and to mitigate risks to patients while these issues are being addressed."

The spokesperson explained that it had provided guidance to healthcare professionals about how to manage and advise patients where there was a disruption to supply.

"We are keeping this guidance under review and we advise any patient with concerns to speak to their clinician," the spokesperson added.