New ADHD prescriptions in Guernsey stopped until December

31 October 2023

Guernsey is temporarily stopping all new prescriptions of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medication.

The move has been prompted by a worldwide shortage caused by an increase in demand, coupled with manufacturing issues.

Health officials said they were following advice from the UK.

It means anyone newly diagnosed with ADHD, will not have access to medication until later in the year.

Geraldine O'Riordan, the island's prescribing advisor, said: "The advice from the UK DHSE (Department of Health and Social Care) is two-fold.

"It's that no new patients are started on this treatment until the supply is remedied, and that things should be back to normal by December."

'More comfortable'

Ruby, 14, has been taking her medication for ADHD since the beginning of this year.

She said it allowed her to relax, to be more comfortable and to get through each day.

As she is already on medication, Ruby is not affected by the halt on new prescriptions.

But she said life would be harder without it: "I think it would make me feel, not lost, but that sort of way.

"I sort of rely on it to help me get through the day concentrating. I think I'd feel panicked."

Whilst the access to this treatment is helpful to Ruby, it also has an impact her family too.

Her mother Justine said the prescribed medication had improved Ruby's quality of life.

"She's just a happier Ruby. She's doing better in her lessons - she's got her support at school.

"It's more like she"s been accepted. She's a lot better on it, I have to be honest."

ADHD is a condition that affects people's behaviour.

People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.