Managing ADHD when access to medication is restricted
A young girl from Northumberland is highlighting the unseen impact of a shortage of ADHD medication.
Twelve-year-old Alice, a North of England winner in the BBC Young Reporter competition, was unable to access her medication from April to August 2023, leading her to look for other ways to manage her symptoms and behaviour.
"I couldn't keep a lid on my emotions, so I was more worried, more anxious, couldn't focus on school work a lot and overall it just generally affected me," Alice explained.
Her medication, lisdexamfetamine, is given to children with ADHD in 20mg doses, and adults in 40mg - 60mg doses.
During the shortage adults would stock up on the 20mg medication to meet their requirements, leaving nothing for younger people and those on the smaller dose.
"There was none left and we couldn't get any more, so you just didn't know who to turn to," said Hayley, Alice's mum.
Alice discovered a love of football while struggling for medication and, now it is more readily available, is able to see benefits from both the sport and her prescription.
Video produced by Alex Challies.
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