More than 15.5 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ,adhd), and a recent report shows that a large proportion of those taking medication to manage their symptoms are struggling to access their treatment due to drug shortages.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a national survey last fall, finding that 6 percent of American adults currently have an ADHD diagnosis. More than half of these people (56 percent) were diagnosed in adulthood, indicating that many people live with undiagnosed ADHD until later in life.

ADHD, which is characterized by inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, can have a significant impact on daily functioning. Unfortunately, many people suffering from this condition do not receive proper treatment. The CDC report, led by Brooke Staley of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, said only half (50.4 percent) of adults with ADHD were given medication within the past 12 months to manage their symptoms.

Primary medicines for adhd treatment There are stimulants such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse and Concerta. However, access to these medications has been a significant challenge for these patients. According to CDC findings, 71.5 percent of adults who use stimulant medication faced difficulty filling their prescriptions in the last year due to unavailability due to the ongoing shortage.

The report states that this shortage of ADHD medications presents serious consequences for patients, as appropriate medication results in better social and emotional well-being, reduced risk of unintentional injuries, lower rates of substance use disorders, and reduced mortality from non-natural causes. Is related to shortage.

The report warns that as a result, some people may turn to unsafe alternatives, such as buying drugs online or from illegal markets, putting them at risk of encountering counterfeit drugs, which may contain dangerous substances such as fentanyl.

ADHD medication shortages have persisted for years, exacerbated by production delays. In October 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first announced a shortage of Adderall due to manufacturing delays by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. More recently, in September 2024, the US Drug Enforcement Administration authorized Takeda, the manufacturer of Vyvanse, to increase production as part of efforts to address the ongoing shortage.

Telehealth has emerged as a viable option for many adults with ADHD, with the CDC reporting that 46 percent of adults with ADHD had used telehealth services, including nearly 10 percent who received their diagnosis virtually. About 30 percent of adults received help accessing medications or counseling through telehealth platforms.

The findings were published Oct. 10 in the CDC’s journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

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