Parenting a Child with ADHD

Posted on

Submitted by an anonymous Howard County parent.

Parenting is hard. Parenting a child with ADHD presents its own unique challenges; an estimated 10% of children suffer from the condition, while prescriptions for ADHD medication skyrocketed during the pandemic. Symptoms of ADHD can include fidgeting, excessive talking, impulsivity, becoming easily distracted or having difficulty following directions or finishing tasks. As if those challenges weren’t enough, parents with a child with ADHD have been dealing with a significant shortage of medications used to treat the condition since 2022. There are multiple causes of this shortage, including:  

  1. More people are seeking ADHD treatment, for themselves or their children, due to more awareness and acceptance of mental health issues; subsequently, diagnoses soared during the pandemic.
  2. Supply chain issues and manufacturing delays.
  3. Tough regulatory practices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for controlled substances, such as the short-acting amphetamines found in ADHD medication.
  4. In addition, the FDA reported in October 2022 that there was a shortage of amphetamine mixed salts used in the production of Aderall, a popular medication for ADHD. Because of the Aderall shortage, providers were forced to prescribe more Ritalin and Concerta for their patients, creating a shortage of all these, and similar medications.

While no one knows when this shortage will end, you can help your child’s situation by keeping yourself informed about the situation. Consider various pharmacies, investigate different dosages and formulations of medication and know your insurance coverage and options. During this time, keep an open line of communication with your child’s provider and pharmacist, and encourage eating right, exercise and good sleep hygiene for your child.

Most importantly, take care of yourself. Put your oxygen mask on before you help a fellow passenger- you can’t give the best care and support for your child if you haven’t taken care of yourself first!

Sorry, comments are closed for this post.