ADHD medication: Woman struggling to cope amid national shortage
BBCA woman says a major shortage of ADHD medication could lead to a rise in mental health issues.
Jess Chandler, from Bournemouth, gained a following on TikTok after sharing videos about being diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2020.
The 22-year-old social media influencer is one of thousands of patients unable to get hold of medication to manage her symptoms due to a national shortage.
The government blamed "global demand" and "manufacturing issues".
Miss Chandler, who started taking medication in May, said it led to a "massive change".
She explained: "It meant I was able to recognise my thoughts, recognise that I was having one thought at a time and not 20.
"I really struggle with something called interoception. So I'm really, really bad at figuring out when I'm hungry, when I need a drink or to go to the toilet and I really felt like that improved."
Miss Chandler has been unable to get hold of her medication for two months and says she has had thousands of her followers online contacting her with similar issues.
Her mother Terri said it has been "absolutely heartbreaking" to see her daughter suffering.
"...I just don't want to see her sliding back down that slope again," she added.
The charity ADHD UK has confirmed an estimated 150,000 people are being impacted by the current shortage.
Mitesh Patel runs 14 pharmacies across Hampshire and Dorset.
He said GP surgeries and pharmacies are working together to help each other, but they are all having to "think outside the box".
Mr Patel said: "I can see on a daily basis where so many people are struggling. We're definitely rationing, but if we have it in stock we will give it to our patients.
"There's a lot of off-license prescribing happening now because GPs don't have a choice. They are making exceptions or using two lots of medication to make up the strength that's required."
Dr Tim Cooper, deputy chief medical officer for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, urged patients not to panic.
He said: "It's really important that people are reaching out to their practice teams in the usual manner and that there is plenty of time before that prescription ends to allow us as much time as possible to support getting those prescriptions organised and sorted."
The medicines methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and guanfacine are currently in short supply, with the government warning stock issues could last until December.
In a statement, the Department for Health and Social Care said: "We continue to work closely with the respective manufacturers to resolve the issues as soon as possible and to ensure patients have continuous access to ADHD medicines in the UK."
But Miss Chandler, who is worried about the impact on people's mental health, said: "ADHD medication saves lives, there's going to be a massive problem with a high rate of mental health issues without it."
Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].