A year ago, life for many people in the UK with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) became unpredictable and disorientating as their medications suddenly became scarce. They were told the shortages would be over within months – but people with the condition tell the it is still a problem.
Spending two hours on hold to her pharmacy or GP each day has become the norm for Lorelei Mathias, 44, who has struggled to get a consistent supply of her prescription ADHD drugs since the shortages began last September.
The Brighton-based author and comedian, who created the web series Life in ADHD, says she has gone “against advice” and started rationing, hoarding and sharing pills with friends on similar prescriptions to make sure they all have enough.
“I have many friends who are also really struggling and splitting pills or shutting down from work as they can’t function without it,” she says.
“We either have to tip each other off as to which chemists have stock, or we have to call in on each other’s houses, or leave them out in plastic bags hidden in the garden if no one’s home.”