Gloucestershire dad with ADHD feels 'abandoned' by NHS

James Bowman said the supply issues feel like a "massive step backward" for him

A father-of-two with ADHD says he feels "abandoned" by the NHS in the face of a national shortage of medication.

James Bowman, from Gloucester, said his medication was running low and he was not getting any support from the NHS.

He was diagnosed with the condition earlier this year, and said to have his medication removed "is a massive step backwards".

The NHS said the medication shortage was due to supply chain issues and a global increase in demand.

Mr Bowman is one of many ADHD patients around the UK who are finding they can not get hold of medication.

'Abandoned'

He was privately diagnosed with ADHD after joining an NHS waiting list for diagnosis in May 2021. He said he is still on the waiting list.

In the meantime, he paid for the private diagnosis and was prescribed medication.

He said while he does not blame those who work on the frontline, since the shortage was announced, the NHS has not contacted him offering any support.

"We've essentially been abandoned," Mr Bowman said.

Medication helps to manage symptoms, which can include difficulty concentrating and focusing, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

The government has said some supply issues could last until December

Speaking about his diagnosis Mr Bowman said it was "a massive awakening".

"I'd always felt I was not experiencing the world in the same way that people around me were experiencing it," he said.

"I was hanging on to a thread. Years and years of mental health issues were affecting my work and relationships.

"When I took my first capsule, it was an instant change. I describe it as being very akin to wearing glasses for the first time. It brought everything into a much clearer focus.

"So, to have that removed again is a massive step backwards."

'Resolved by December'

NHS Gloucestershire said in a statement: "The temporary supply problems have been caused by a combination of manufacturing issues and an increase in global demand for drugs for the treatment of ADHD.

"We have been told that they should be resolved by December 2023.

"Local clinical ADHD specialists have given advice to help manage this situation as best as possible for any patients affected and we have shared this with all GPs in Gloucestershire.

"This may mean a temporary treatment break for patients if no alternative ADHD medicine is available to prescribe."

A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson added: "We understand medicine shortages can be distressing but we want to reassure patients we are working intensively with manufacturers to increase supply for the UK and ensure continuous access to ADHD medicines for those who need them."Some of these supply issues have now been resolved, but we know issues remain with others. These are expected to be resolved by the end of the year."

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