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| How Students Are Affected by the Shortage of Adderall |
In the wake of a shortage of the stimulant Adderall, a medication commonly prescribed for ADHD, educational institutions across the United States are grappling with the consequences. Students are experiencing a decline in their academic performance, and their motivation is waning due to the unavailability of this vital medication, as noted by pediatric psychologist Parker Houston in an interview with The Hill.
In response to this shortage, schools are implementing various strategies, such as using color-coded folders and emphasizing robust communication, to support students who rely on Adderall but are currently unable to access it.
The initial cause of the shortage stemmed from a manufacturing disruption at a Teva Pharmaceuticals plant, the largest supplier of Adderall in the United States. Normally, shortages resulting from isolated incidents tend to resolve quickly, according to experts. However, the prolonged scarcity is now attributed to heightened demand. Numerous pharmacies are facing shortages, and parents are navigating a complex process to secure prescriptions for their children.
Flexibilities in telemedicine, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, may have contributed to easier access to controlled substances like Adderall, eliminating the need for in-person appointments.
Furthermore, an increasing number of young adults are turning to Adderall to aid their focus, both in college and in their initial post-school career roles. LaTasha Perkins, a family medicine physician in Washington, D.C., has observed a growing trend of college-aged students using Adderall. This shift may be linked to young adults exploring their learning styles in the post-pandemic era.
The traditional belief that individuals diagnosed with ADHD as children eventually outgrow the need for medication is evolving. More people are continuing to use the drug as they transition into adulthood. Perkins points out that even as individuals mature, focus and hyperactivity-related challenges persist, albeit in different forms among college students and young adults. Some young adults who might benefit from Adderall could be resorting to self-medication with caffeine or adhering to routines.
The end of the shortage remains uncertain. Perkins advises her patients to use Adderall mindfully. Parents may consider withholding doses on weekends, and college-aged patients are cautioned against sharing their medication with classmates. As the shortage persists, it is vital to address the impact on students' academic lives and the changing landscape of ADHD medication usage.
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