Patients diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the UAE have been facing challenges in accessing crucial medications like Concerta over the past few months due to a supply shortage, local medical professionals and pharmacies told Arabian Business.
Dr. Merin Eapen, a Specialist Pediatric Neurologist at Burjeel Medical City, confirmed the reported unavailability of Concerta, a commonly prescribed ADHD medication.
“The shortage has been experienced by me as well as other pediatric neurologists treating children and adolescents with Concerta,” she said.
Pharmacies in Dubai have also been grappling with the shortage, with some reporting stock outages lasting 3-4 months due to alleged manufacturing and distribution delays.
“We have Concerta. There has been a stock shortage, but today we received a batch. We only have enough for 1-2 weeks,” a pharmacist from Aster Pharmacy’s Jumeirah branch told Arabian Business.
“The shortage started 3-4 months ago. It was not available in the market until we only received [this new batch] a few days ago. Distribution said deliveries were delayed due to manufacturing.”
ADHD is a prevalent neurological condition, with an estimated 366.3 million adults worldwide experiencing symptomatic ADHD, according to recent research.
The scarcity of ADHD medications has forced some patients to resort to alternative means, often at a higher cost.
Andre, a Dubai-based commercial manager in the construction industry, shared with Arabian Business that he fortunately was able to access medication before he ran out.
“[I] needed to change dosages and get it from a private hospital, which was double the cost and not covered under medical,” he said.
While Andre has not yet exhausted his supply, he expressed concern about the potential impact on his productivity if the shortage persists.
“It did not affect my work, as I have not run out yet, but would have a significant impact on my productivity if not available,” he said.
Previous global shortages of ADHD medications have impacted several regions, leaving millions without access to essential treatments. In England, a sharp 11 per cent annual increase in ADHD drug usage between 2010 and 2019, coupled with supply disruptions, left 97 per cent of people with ADHD in the UK affected by the shortages as of late 2023.
The medications facing shortages include methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, guanfacine, and atomoxetine, with certain strengths and forms being more heavily impacted than others. While an increase in global demand due to rising ADHD diagnoses, manufacturing issues, and delays in distribution have been reportedly cited as the main reasons behind the shortfalls, the situation has left individuals and families grappling with the harsh reality of abruptly running out of vital medications needed to manage their symptoms.
The global nature of the ADHD medication shortage has been evident, with reports from the UK earlier this year highlighting similar struggles faced by students ahead of exams. In April, some students in the UK resorted to rationing their medication to ensure they had enough for the exam season, the BBC reported.
ADHD diagnoses on the rise
Burjeel Medical City’s Dr. Eapen acknowledged the increasing incidence of ADHD diagnoses yearly, which she says aligns with global research trends.
Adult ADHD is associated with a substantial economic burden, contributing an estimated $122.8 billion in total societal excess cost due to factors such as unemployment, productivity loss, and health care services.
However, the prevalence of ADHD is not limited to adulthood; approximately 129 million children and adolescents between the ages of 5 to 19 years old worldwide have been diagnosed with the disorder. In many cases, the disorder persists from childhood into adulthood, with an estimated 35 per cent to 78 per cent of children diagnosed maintaining symptoms as adults, according to recent research.
While Dr. Eapen recognised the role of social media in raising awareness about potential ADHD symptoms, she also cautioned about the potential negative impacts of excessive screen time on neurobehavioral problems, including ADHD.
She advised parents to consult a pediatric neurologist if their child exhibits symptoms such as inattention, failure to finish schoolwork, dislike of homework, inability to sit still, or constant movement.
“Among the different neurobehavioural problems in childhood and adolescence, ADHD is a condition which can be treated by the pediatric neurologist,” she explained.
“Effective treatment of ADHD helps patients improve their attention, reduce hyperactivity and impulsive symptoms, and helps patients better utilise their intelligence to achieve their goals.”
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