The ADHD medication shortage across Australia is severely affecting families, with no immediate resolution in sight. Jane McFadden, a psychologist and host of the popular podcast ADHD Mums, found herself in a desperate situation at a pharmacy, competing with another parent for the last bottle of medication. This poignant experience prompted her to reflect on the drastic circumstances many families face in securing ADHD treatments.
Parents are increasingly sacrificing their own medications to ensure their children receive the necessary support. Some have resorted to mixing prescriptions or travelling long distances to find supplies. The ongoing crisis has left many, including McFadden, feeling abandoned by the system. Diagnosed with ADHD at 36, she has since seen her three young children diagnosed as well; their lives transformed for the better with the right medication, only to have that progress threatened by the current shortages.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has issued warnings that the scarcity of various ADHD medications, such as Concerta and Ritalin, could extend into late 2026. McFadden now spends her weekends contacting dozens of pharmacies, enduring long drives in search of medications that are increasingly hard to find. Recent changes allow general practitioners to diagnose ADHD, which may enhance accessibility. However, this influx of potential diagnoses could exacerbate the already strained supply.
Psychologist Tanya Forster acknowledges the challenges facing families during this crisis, highlighting the dual issues of a dwindling number of GPs and the rising demand for ADHD tests and treatments. Each prescription renewal has become a battle, leading to increased anxiety among parents and children alike. McFadden worries that her children are facing daily disruptions as their medication supply fluctuates, which adds to their confusion.
Despite the advocacy and awareness efforts through platforms like ADHD Mums, McFadden feels unheard by policymakers. She believes there’s a pressing need for a long-term solution to the medication shortage and questions why there hasn’t been a push to boost local manufacturing of these medicines.
Both McFadden and Forster stress the importance of adhering to prescribed guidelines and discourage self-medication or sharing drugs, to avoid the risks associated with improper use. As parents navigate this challenging terrain, the call for action from the government grows louder, seeking solutions to alleviate the burden faced by families reliant on ADHD treatments.